#i cleaned my in-law's garden beds and starting my own gardens in them

[pubbee]

I want to get into the creative headspace again gawly

[oxymorayuri]

i love your style, can i request a one shot hurt/comfort with doflamingo please 💖💖💖 i would also love if you did with rest of the characters too, thank you so much ✨💖💖

A/N: Hello my dear, thank you for waiting :3 Let's start with our pink feathered guy. I struggled hard with myself whether to finish the other guys first, to upload and link everything together but I couldn't help it… :x So please be patient until I have finished the others :3 [Law ✦ Kid ✦ Ace]

word count » 3857 genre » hurt | comfort | angst summary » Lately, Doflamingo has been doing only his own thing… You hardly see each other. He rarely takes you to parties and generally doesn't take you out anymore…

❝ 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒❞

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓: gremlik

𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑥𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝐷𝑜𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑜

It's a morning like any other. Waking up in the huge bed between expensive pillows and covers made of silk. The early sun beams in through the large windows and as your eyes fight against the morning fatigue, you feel with one hand the side where Doflamingo is lying only to realize that he is no longer lying next to you. Again...

You should be used to it, but you leave the cozy bed pouting and slip into your slippers.

"He seems to be quite busy once again…" You mutter to yourself unsatisfied in front of your dressing table while you clean your face. You're not even sure if he spent the night in bed with you.

Maybe he has a new woman?

No, he would have dumped you long ago if he did. You put on the necklace, the last gift he gave you, and gently stroke the gemstones.

Doflamingo has an extraordinary taste and every piece of jewelry is the perfect accessory for your fine appearance. You don't miss the jewels, you miss the effort he made to find jewelry that complements your beauty.

You reminisce as the sunlight shines through the expensive designed room.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

"Look at me beautiful, the moment I saw those jewels, I thought I was looking into your pristine eyes." He gently guides your chin upwards and studies your shining eyes.

"I tend to believe that your eyes are real gems, but you can't put a price on them."

With his thumb, he gently strokes under your eye and holds the side of your face. You lean into his touch and place your small hand against his, not wanting him to let go of you.

“You don't have to pay, my eyes are yours alone...”

He smirks at you with satisfaction. He likes to hear that you belong only to him. And he will do everything to make sure you give him everything you have...

“You belong by my side.” His lips brush gently over yours as he speaks such firm yet loving words. A smile slips from your lips and you wrap your arms around him to kiss his lips.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Those were the days when you spent time together in the palace garden as if you had just fallen in love. Just the two of you, sometimes all day. Not even work could distract him when he wanted to spend time with his precious girl.

Such days started with Doflamingo watching you sleep until you woke up and not leaving the bed before your lips met. And now? Now you wake up every morning, alone…

You feel like you've been thrown to the side.

In a bad mood, you get ready for breakfast with the family. You strut down the long corridor, your heels echoing in the heights of the palace.

You have deliberately chosen to wear a short pink dress combined with a matching fur coat that Doflamingo gave you. This will definitely bring out a reaction in him.

The massive doors open to the dining room and you enter the hall. A few of Doflamingo's people have already taken their seats. Luckily for you, you discover Baby 5 sitting in her chair.

"Good morning, lady y/n!" Beaming with joy, she waves to you. Without giving it much thought, you take the chair next to her and have a chat with her as the empty seats at the table fill up.

Your cheerful banter is interrupted by Buffalo speaking up.

“L-Lady y/n?…” He stammers a little uncertainly with reddened cheeks.

“Why are you sitting in my chair?” - “Huh? Ohh, I just wanted to sit next to Baby 5 today.” You smile at him with your irresistible lips. He immediately turns bright red like a tomato, since your body language is as seductive as it is beautiful. His awkward behavior makes you chuckle a little.

"Feel free to take my seat, Buffalo." you say gracefully as you turn away from him to continue chatting with Baby 5.

The hall falls silent for a moment as Doflamingo finally enters the room and you wonder where he was, when he was neither at breakfast nor in bed with you…

You grind your teeth in anger and Baby 5 notices your grumbling. Concerned, she gives you a little nudge with her elbow and looks at you with friendly eyes.

"Lady y/n, what's wrong?" - “I'll tell you later…” You say in a composed voice while your eyes follow Doflamingo. After Doflamingo takes his seat at the short end of the table, he looks at Buffalo sitting next to him at the side.

While Buffalo looks at him somewhat uncertainly, Doflamingo looks down at him rather coldly. His gaze goes straight to the seat where Buffalo is normally sitting, seeing you but there is no trace of any emotion on his face.

You swallow a little as you consider whether it was such a good idea to swap chairs. But you quickly dismiss any doubts on the grounds, that he doesn't pay much attention to you either. Why should you play his little darling?

With a little huff, you turn your eyes away from him and talk to a few people at the table.

Nevertheless, breakfast was quite pleasant up to a certain point… With one ear you followed the conversation between Doflamingo and Trebol, as they talked about a small banquet with his underground customers.

Your ears perked up when it came to who would be accompanying him. Normally you would stand by his side at such events...

Ohh, how you miss the times when you two were admired from all the sides, while dancing or socializing together...

Doflamingo not only likes to have you by his side, but also likes to involve you in important conversations. Of course, such parties are not just for entertainment, they are the perfect place to put things into motion...

Whenever one of his business partners brought up suggestions or ideas, he always asked for your opinion. Besides your beauty, your sharp mind arouses him.

And you? You feel strong at his side...

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

"What do you think, beautiful?"

He leans slightly towards you and examines your brooding face with a broad grin. With a finger on your lip, you smile seductively at him as his sly smile comes into your field of vision.

You turn your head to the gentleman in front of you.

"You know, you're asking for a lot of money from us investors for such cheap material…" Your eyes, usually so seductive, look down at him with hostile confidence.

The man starts to explain himself, stammering and beads of sweat gather on his forehead.

“I don't need to have another conversation with you, we'll decline and I'll remember this stupid talk and check out the other deals we have…”

His offer was not unusual, but you wonder why Doflamingo should invest so much in him again, when the other projects are running well...

Doflamingo's laughter echoes beside you. He is always amazed at your sharp tongue and proudly pulls you towards him.

"How about we just cut all the deals? This guy is cheeky and greedy, a real snake." - “That would make it a lot easier.” You smile lovingly at Doflamingo.

Together you leave the frantic gentleman behind, without even responding to his pathetic pleas.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

“Violet will accompany me again.” His words make you freeze and you look at him with narrowed eyebrows.

She's going to accompany him again?

You clench your fists under the table and look over at Violet, who glances a little anxiously into your eyes.

You try to think clearly, Violet is not someone who would betray you. She's your friend, but you have to confront her.

After breakfast, you catch her in front of her room and question why she's his date and, more importantly, why she didn't tell you!

“I'm sorry y/n but I wasn't allowed to tell you anything, he's still the king…” With guilt covered eyes she begs for forgiveness and with a deep sigh you cave in.

“I forgive you… Actually, I'm glad you're accompanying him and not some other girl." You let your arms hang down in frustration.

"Believe me when I say, that he doesn't even pay any attention to me... I don't even know why I have to accompany him."

She pouts a little and you giggle in response. She doesn't seem to enjoy being by his side so much and even though you feel sorry for her, you're glad it's the opposite for you.

Your mind is made up, you have to confront him. According to Violet, he's down by the pool, so you go back to your shared bedroom and put on something exciting.

With your feminine hips swinging, you show up at the pool in a sheer beach robe, only to see a couple of cheap sluts from Senor Pink clinging to Doflamingo.

You freeze in the middle of your walk and watch the spectacle of the girls dressed in their bikinis, fussing over him and fondling his chest... Even though Doflamingo seems to ignore them, it drives you crazy that he lets them touch him like that.

Angrily, you stomp over to them. With your hands on your hips, you stand in front of Doflamingo, who is lounging in the sun and enjoying a drink. He turns his gaze to you, his attitude towards you is rather indifferent and that makes you feel confused. Why is he behaving like this?

“And... are you enjoying the sun, Doffy?” The words come from your lips more mockingly than being a genuine question.

The girls giggle outrageously but you don't really know what's so funny… you just try to ignore them completely.

Somewhat annoyed, Doflamingo straightens up and pushes the ladies away from him.

“Fufufu ... you're acting quite sassy considering your position, aren't you?"

Position? His words make you angry.

“My feelings are neither a position nor a status in this castle. I thought we shared feelings, but the way you're behaving, I seem to be the only one who cares!” You turn your gaze away from him, tears already threatening to well up in your eyes.

“How I behave?” His voice takes on a threatening tone, a tone that you are familiar with but which has never been directed at you.

You gulp a little as he towers over you, drawing a sickening laugh from Doflamingo.

“Yes, the way you behave. You're dismissive, always gone and now? Now you're letting yourself be touched by these cheap whores…" You look hurt yet disgusted and Senior Pink's girls hiss and spit insults at you. But they don't interest you much and your gaze is fixed on your reflection in Doflamingo's sunglasses.

“Fufufu - look at you beautiful. Do you miss me?”

He runs his fingers through your silky hair, as always, but it feels wrong. There's something nasty about his aura. It's not his usual sly demeanor that he shows you and which you love, he doesn't take you seriously... and he's playing with you...

But you don't allow yourself to be bullied. Your eyes are fixed on his, at least wherever you guess his eyes are, without letting your unease become obvious.

“And what if that were the case?”

His hand glides along your shoulder over to your little neck, where his thumb presses lightly against your throat, before forcing you towards him. As the tips of your noses touch, you see the faint outline of his pupils but you remain calm and composed.

"I couldn't care less. Not after what you have done!" He squeezes and cuts off the air you breathe.

You reach for his hand in a panic, but you can't even move a finger. You are far from physically strong and you feel yourself losing your footing as Doflamingo lifts you into the air.

"…What I did?!" puzzled, you try to push the words from your lips.

Doflamingo throws you on the floor, his eyes wander over your exposed body and instead of being attracted to you, the arousing sight of you makes him mad.

“The way you act towards others, the way you dress… I would have expected more elegance from you!” You don't understand a thing. How I look and behave? But you thought that was the most important things for him?

“You're crazy!” You snap at him and grit your teeth. Doflamingo crouches down to you and laughs over you.

“Me and crazy? Fufufufu…” He shakes his head and grabs you by the chin. His lips brush gently over yours but you don't feel love, you feel fear.

“I'm rather generous towards you…” Tears well up in your eyes, he has never treated you so worthlessly. He has treasured you like his most valued possession and now he grumbles words you don't understand.

Doflamingo's eyes flicker briefly, and his chest tightens as he sees the tears rolling down your cheeks. Irritated, he lets go of you and steps away, giving you the chance to escape. What remains is a blonde king who suddenly doesn't understand what he's feeling.

Is it remorse?

But you don't have time to pay him any attention and run away. On the way to your bedchamber, you bump into some of the family, who all seem quite worried when they see your sad expression.

But no matter what they say to you, you just keep running while hot tears flow down your cheeks.

You cry yourself a river on the bed, your makeup all smudged but you don't care about messing up the expensive sheets. They have no value to you if you don't share them with Doflamingo.

All you can hear is the door to the room closing with a bang and the clacking of Doflamingo's shoes coming closer to you… You look at him briefly, but his cold, unaffected gaze makes you feel completely worthless. How can he look at you like that?

“You look pathetic.” His words are dry and pierce through your heart. You can imagine that you don't look very presentable. Your clothes are out of place, your hair is messy and your makeup is smudged all over your teary face

You squeeze your eyes shut and suppress your tears, you don't want to let his words hurt you even more. You're fed up with him punishing you for something without even talking to you. You still have no idea what the hell his problem is.

"Maybe I wouldn't look so pathetic if you treated me like an equal and told me what your fucking problem is!" you point your finger at him angrily.

Compared to Doflamingo, you look tiny and frail, but your frustration has turned to anger and you're not going to let someone who's supposed to love you talk down to you.

He grabs your finger and pulls you towards him in a blink of an eye. A devious smile forms on his lips.

"Looking so angry, you're quite cute." You turn your head to the side, away from him and Doflamingo grinds his teeth in dissatisfaction.

“You said you were mine, but you lied!” - “No! I didn't!" Frustrated, you slam your fists on his chest, trying to push away from him but his hands hold you tight.

“I'm all yours Doffy… please believe me…” Realizing that escaping Doflamingo's tight grip is pointless, you surrender and hide your tears by burying your face on his chest.

Unexpectedly, Doflamingo grabs your chin tenderly and pulls your face up to look into his eyes. You refuse a little, embarrassed at how unflattering your face looks.

“Look at me.” His voice doesn't seem affectionate, but you can't hear the spiteful undertone and obey his words. With tears filling your eyes, you try to maintain your gaze.

"If you're all mine, why do the others feel so free and hit on you right under my eyes?"

Your eyes widen. This has nothing to do with you. Not directly. It has to do with him being irritated by other men who are literally drooling after you.

You are delighted that it is not entirely because of you but it is not fair to make it solely your fault. If he blames you, it will be difficult to convince him otherwise, but after all these years at his side, you have some kind of feeling about how to talk to him.

“Doffy, do you love the way I look?” - “Of course.” His answer comes fast. You take a deep breath and wipe the tears from your face.

"And you love the way I act too… don't you?" - “Without a doubt, you're everything a man could wish for.”

“See? If my humble self can live up to a king like you, what do you think other men see in me?" His veins show on Doflamingo's temple. Clenching his teeth, he grumbles.

“I don't care about that!” - “And neither do I!” You stare silently into each other's eyes until Doflamingo sighs a little exhausted and lets go of you.

He takes off his shirt and lies down on the bed, his arms folded behind his head and his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

He thinks hard about your words, because you're right. It's only natural that other men turn their heads towards you when the sight of you catches even his attention.

If even you could get hold of his heart, of course you'll get hold of everyone's hearts. You are perfect in his eyes.

Never has he seen you even come close to responding to the wretched creatures… Actually it is the opposite, but he doesn't like the fact that all kinds of eyes can look at you so shamelessly.

You carefully take a seat on the edge of the bed and give him a moment of silence.

"…It all started when Crocodile praised you excessively when you were talking to other guests…" You remember. It was a gala party like any other, but you remember very well how differently Doflamingo treated you when you returned to his side.

You feel a little sad that he has such distrust in you… Everything you do, you do only for him.

Not to mention it's a bit ridiculous, since some of the clothes were personally chosen for you by Doflamingo. All your efforts only serve to live up to his image of the "perfect woman" and so far, you have been rewarded with everything you could wish for…

Knowing that Doflamingo is a very demanding man, you have made it your personal goal to live up to his expectations, but this seems now to be your undoing...

You can tell from Doflamingo's tense expression that he is still quite angry as he remembers Crocodile's words. In his eyes, it is more than impudent that someone would dare to say such words to him.

“I've never noticed how greedily the eyes of others follow you. At one point I thought about taking the lives of everyone who lusted after you, until I realized that would have been everyone…"

You reach for his hand without giving much thought to whether Doflamingo would allow it or not and stroke it gently.

"Keeping you away from everyone's prying eyes is the only option left to me." You know his actions are not right, because the ones who suffer are only the two of you, but nevertheless you can understand his actions.

He takes off his glasses and touches his nose between his eyes, lost in his unexpected feelings. He's not quite sure why he's telling you this at all…

You should obey him, but seeing you cry has triggered completely different feelings in him. Before you, there were numerous women who adorned his bed and no matter how much they cried and begged for his attention, nothing had stirred in him.

"If you want, I can stay low… I dress differently and avoid men… I just want to continue to be by your side...” - “No. You should be able to show off your beauty.”

Your heart skips a beat as he looks into your eyes with seriousness, but you don't know what other compromise you can make.

“I see…” You look sadly at the covers. There must be another solution than locking you up in the castle like a bird in a cage. Doflamingo's fingers intertwine with yours and he gently pulls you close. He lifts your chin with one finger and his usually hidden eyes show you the love he has suppressed all this time.

"However, seeing you cry like that made me realize how much I missed your smile." Are you dreaming or is that really your Doffy talking? You are at a loss for words. Even if the situation isn't resolved yet, a hint of a smile comes to your lips.

"Doffy, I'm just crying over you!" You give him your most genuine smile as you look into each other's eyes before continuing with your words. After he has revealed his true feelings to you, it is your turn to express your own thoughts.

"No one else could ever make me feel this way… I long to be with you… And I can understand your feelings... There are enough women fighting over you, but I never thought you could replace me." - "And I can't anyway, because you're the only one worthy of being by my side." He interrupts you in a lower voice.

“I know and the same goes for me. No one can take your place. Not even by force, because I know you wouldn't let them.” You snuggle up to him. You let out a sigh of relief knowing that you can finally be close to him again, that you can finally smell his intoxicating smell and feel his warmth.

His hand strokes along your fine curves, up to your shoulders and back down to your hips. You don't know how to solve this problem, but now you're sure that Doflamingo hasn't forgotten about you.

"I didn't know you feel the same way I do y/n." You shake your head with a smile, while he caresses your cheek.

“Imagining someone else standing by your side is already painful but not being by your side is hell, Doffy…” After longing for his tenderness for so long, you dare to allow yourself to kiss him.

After you shared a slow kiss, filled with longing, he nudges his nose against yours.

"Even if your makeup is all smudged, you're still the most beautiful woman in the world…"

That's it for today, my beloved ones. I hope you enjoyed it, kisses to you <3

𝑊𝑖𝑡𝘩 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑦𝑢𝑟𝑖.

[up-to-some-good]

Midnight Rain

Written for @cruelsummer-ficfest

Ship: Wolfstar

Song: Midnight Rain

He was sunshine, I was midnight rain

He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain

He wanted a bride, I was making my own name

Chasing that fame, he stayed the same

All of me changed like midnight rain

If you really looked at it, Remus thought, their breakup had been inevitable. Any fool would have seen it coming, except them, it seemed.

They had started dating in seventh year, sometime after James and Lily became JamesAndLily and Sirius felt like he was losing his other half, no matter how happy he was for them. They had always migrated close to each other, Sirius and Remus, the stars and the moon, silver and gold. It felt inevitable, meant to be. They were soulmates, everyone said, together forever.

Remus had always been the antithesis to Sirius, golden eyes and fluffy curls against silver eyes and sharp edges. Sirius had something dark in him from his childhood that he could never shake, while Remus had been loved and learned to smile easily and enjoy the sun on his face. Despite their differences, they were happy together. Remus smoothed out Sirius’s sharp edges, and in turn learned to act on impulse and hide in the shadows. Meant to be, meant to be, meant to be. Together forever.

Then they graduated and got caught in the war, and everything changed. Sirius got sharper, more impulsive, and more reckless. He dove into battle like he was more weapon than wizard and came home with wild eyes. Remus got tired. He didn’t want to be Dumbledore’s pet werewolf or anyone’s soldier. He wanted to be at home with Sirius, singing as they made dinner together and dancing in their socks. He wanted rings and commitment and a cottage somewhere with a garden, but Sirius wanted to be a hero.

The Potters went into hiding and Remus dropped out of the Order. He stayed home and studied dark creatures and worried constantly about Sirius, who relished in the fight, taking on the most dangerous missions. They barely spoke when he came home after weeks away with Regulus, a haunted look in his eyes and more battered than Remus had ever seen him. Remus cleaned his wounds and braided his hair, and they went to bed, silent.

It came to a head before the final battle. The Horcruxes were gone. Hogwarts was under siege. One final stand would end it all, one way or the other, and Sirius wanted to be on the frontlines. Remus begged him to stay home, to contact the Potters and hide away from the danger with them, wherever they were. Sirius begged him in turn to come with him, to fight hand in hand and end it as a united front. He couldn’t do it. Sirius kissed him, apologised, and walked out the door. He never came back.

They won the war. Sirius was one of the heroes, lauded by the entire wizarding world. Remus bought a cottage in Wales, near his mother, and built his quiet life, alone. He saw Lily for tea and played with Harry. He occasionally met James for a pint, and they never mentioned the Black hole between them. The war hero, the best Healer St Mungo’s had seen in decades, the lobbyist for werewolf rights.

And now Remus was here: alone in his cottage, awake at two minutes past midnight on a random Tuesday, staring at that morning’s Prophet with a tumbler of whiskey, a picture of his ex staring up at him.

BLACK HEIR REVOLUTIONISES WEREWOLF RIGHTS

Werewolves were no longer considered dark creatures. The Wizengamot had passed a law declaring lycanthropy a chronic illness to be treated and managed, rather than ostracised. Wolfsbane would be available at St Mungo’s in the new Black Lycanthrope Ward, along with comfortable rooms to transform and free post-moon care.

Sirius had made it possible. Sirius had done the research, written the petitions, and spoken to the lawmakers. Sirius had donated the money for the ward and brought Lily on to make the potion. He was at the centre of it all, barely 27 and changing the world for a second time.

And Remus loved him. He had wanted a quiet life with him, forgetting who the man he loved was, what he was capable of. He didn’t need it anymore, he realised. He had had the garden and the cottage. He had taken the walks to the village and baked fresh bread and done everything he had wanted during the war.

Now all he wanted was Sirius. And he would take everything that came with that.

He downed the rest of his whiskey, relishing the burn down his throat, and started towards the phone, dialling the number Lily had left with him months ago, just in case.

“Sirius?”

I guess sometimes we all get

Some kind of haunted, some kind of haunted

And I never think of him

Except on midnights like this

[goddessofeternity]

Chronicles of the Supernovas: Chosen

Chapter 22: Truths, Lies...and a little Family Drama

Masami

My marriage is really over. 

After three hundred and twenty-five years, my wonderful and loving marriage with my dear husband was over and there was nothing that I could do about it. I would be gone by the time that he came back from the mission that he was on. I finally manage to pack the last of my bags and clean up around the house. I could at least make sure our…his own home was clean when he returned. After hauling all of my things to the front door, I turned off the stove to finish up the rest of the meals that I made for him. I just fell into my normal routine as I cleaned around the house. It was starting to get dusty and I should change the bed sheets. The garden also needed to be tended to so I should probably do that before I left as well.

“Oh! I didn’t get the groceries! I should go…” Before I had even realized it, much of the house was clean and food was stocked again. 

I felt my heart rip to pieces when I saw that it wasn’t there anymore. I held my hand against my chest as I took several breaths so I wouldn’t cry for the sixth time. Rubbing my temples, I rushed to the door to grab my bags before I broke down again.

I would have rushed out quicker if I didn’t catch a glimpse of our wedding picture on the wall. A day that was overflowing with joy, laughter and love. A day that my heart was filled with so much love that I feared it would burst forth like a geyser. Perhaps I shouldn’t have left my wedding dress behind for him to see. This whole situation was heartbreaking enough as it was.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bags and left my home. I was sure that I would never recover from this pain, for the rest of my life.

~~~

“Welcome home Lady Masami!”

“Shh! Shh! Thank you…I don’t want to wake anyone up right now. I’ll just head to my room.” The maids dispersed without another sound. The walk to my room felt heavy and tiring, like I had been walking for months without rest. Finally reaching my room, I opened the door and laid out on my bed with a heavy thud. The days ahead would be long and painful, but my family would be here for me in this trying time. My body would have its rest, but my heart would need more than rest to heal its damage. I turned my face into my pillows so that I would not wake anyone with my crying and whimpering, they deserved a good rest before hearing my horrid tale. It was not long before the rays of the sun forced me awake and I forced myself out of bed. Leaving my room to take a shower, my ears were assaulted by a high pitched scream.

“KYAAA!” I couldn’t help but smile as my youngest sister came flying down the hall at me. “I had no idea you were coming home!”

“Yes I…I thought it was time for a visit.” I rubbed her head as I nuzzled her cheek. “I was about to take a bath before seeing everyone…would you like to join me?”

“Yes!” I smiled at her enthusiasm as we went to the bath. The maids laid out one of my favorite kimonos as we laid in the water. “Ohhh…Mimi-chan! I’ve missed you so much!”

I chuckled as she snuggled up against me and I stroked her hair once more. She was still the same after not seeing her for almost thirty years. Although it seemed as though she let her hair grow out again, and she was a bit more…busty. Something that I’m sure that my father was not happy about. If he was going to be upset, he should be upset with himself for marrying our mother. She was quite curvy and well filled out to put it bluntly. So it only made sense that her daughters would be the same. 

Hmm…I missed them after so long.

“So! Mimi-chan! You have to tell me all about your life so far! How is my brother-in-law?” My heart skipped a beat as I looked into her shining eyes. So hopeful and filled to the brim with a curiosity to hear more about a husband that I no longer had. “Or…are you here to tell us that we’re gonna have a new family member?”

“O-Oh no…I’m not pregnant Emi. I just wanted to visit everyone again. Callum…he’s fine. He has some business that he is taking care of…”

“Ugh!” She pouted and sank into the water and blew bubbles in annoyance. “....”

“Emi…I can’t hear you if you’re talking with a mouth full of water…”

“I want to meet him already!” I shook my head as she jumped up from the water. “These stupid rules about not revealing ourselves are so stupid and outdated!”

“I…I’m sure that they are in place for a good reason Emiko.”  I desperately wanted to change the topic from my marriage. “So…how are you? I heard that you have someone in your life now.”

“Oh yeah…he was in my life. I have moved on from him and taken on a new partner.” She sighed dreamily before sinking into the water. “Father isn’t all too pleased with all of my frequent lovers. I just have a lot of love to give.”

“I think father just wants us to be his flowers forever.” I giggled as she rolled her eyes and twirled a loose hair around her finger. “I’m guessing that you…”

“Hmm? Oh yeah…the first time was awkward…but everything after was great!” I never thought that my youngest sister would have already…ahem…done the deed. I suppose it was because our parents weren’t as strict with us. I also think my father forgot that when children grow up that they start to think about such things. I was never the type, but I’m sure he was more concerned about my brothers getting into some trouble. 

“Oh oh! Hikaru is supposed to be bringing her lover over to meet us today. You came at the perfect time Mimi-chan. Father is being a baby about the whole thing, but mother is excited though.”

“Hikaru is seeing someone?” Huh…she only has ever seemed interested in her potions and such things. She had loves here and there, but for the most part she seemed content on being alone. I really needed to check on my siblings more. 

I suppose now I would have the chance. 

“I think mother is hoping for one of us to get married at this point. She probably wants to see us as happy as you are.”

“Yes I…marriage is really a beautiful thing…” I guess that was the difference with my parents. My father wanted his girls to be unmarried flowers, while my mother wanted us to be married to our lovers, but she was happy for her nonetheless. After we got out of the bath, my mood immediately went right back down. I hoped that I could put on another happy face before my parents. I was not ready to talk to them about my struggles. My parents had changed the mansion once more, but it still held that familiar air to it. 

Emiko walked with me to the main sitting area and I could hear the sounds of Mei’s biwa as we drew closer. Her talent was unmatched and it was always such a soothing sound to listen to early in the morning. I’m sure that my parents were already sitting and eating breakfast to listen to her. 

“Father! Mother! Mei! Good morning! Look who came to visit!” I smiled at her hyper voice so early in the morning. My mother was not a morning person so the twitch of her eyebrow was not missed. It was quickly gone once she locked eyes with me. Both her and my father rushed to hug and nuzzle me before I could even greet them. 

“Oh Masami! Oh I’ve missed you so much!”

“Are you well butterfly? Is your…husband treating you well?” I was glad that my face was buried in between them. 

“Father…you don’t have to say it like he’s some creature…” I chuckled as Mei stopped her playing to hug and nuzzle me too. “You have to stop being so cautious about it.”

“Yes I know I know…I mean no disrespect. I just wish you never left home…”

“Father…”

“Oh Takeshi enough!” He grunted as my mother jabbed him in the chest with her elbow. “She has been married for many years now. Our girls will not stay here forever.”

“I mean…they could…” Her growl silenced him and we all shared a laugh at that. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so hard if I was surrounded by my family. 

“Now…come sit and eat with us. Your brothers are away at the moment and Hikaru should be coming with her lover soon too.”

“Tch…” My mother glared at my father and he coughed and sipped his tea away from her. She never failed to put my father on ice. The glint from the gem on her forehead in the sun made me stare. It was such a beautiful gift that was given to her by the Gods. She never did say why they gave it to her though. 

“Callum…Callum is well. He had some work to do so he’s away at the moment. So…I thought that I would come visit.”

“Oh I wish that my boyfriend was here…”

“I don’t…” I chuckled as my father mumbled against his tea cup and my mother pulled his ear.

“You need to stop…let our girls be happy.”

“They are happy…right here with me and you. Isn’t that right Mei?”

“Hmm?” Mei looked up from her biwa and just shrugged. “I have no opinion about it.”

My father pouted at her as my mother rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to me. The way that she was looking at me was too motherly and analyzing. If I didn’t think they noticed before I was wrong because my mother was looking right through me.

“Masami-“

“Hello family!” I was saved by Hikaru throwing open the tatami doors. 

“I have such loud children in the morning…” My mother grumbled under her breath and my father chuckled and kissed her head. The sight made my heart ache in the best and worst way.

“Oh! Masami!” I was once again assaulted by a hug and nuzzles as Hikaru almost took the breath from my lungs. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit! I would have gotten your room together and had some potions ready for your garden.”

“It’s ok Hikaru…this was a spontaneous thing. I just really missed everyone so I thought I would stop by.” My mother was still staring hard at me as Hikaru informed everyone that her lover was here. Mei was also giving me the side-eye, but I just focused on eating a rice cake. 

“So…your…partner is here? Now?” Hikaru rolled her eyes as she went into the hallway and came back pulling on the arm of a handsome kitsune with dark brown hair and gentle eyes to match. 

“Welcome to our home. I hope the trip to come here was good.” My mother elbowed my father hard and he just frowned in his usual pouty attitude. 

“Oh! Y-Yes my lady. Your lands are beautiful and your home even more so.”

“I’m glad that you think so. I thought it was important for my children to be surrounded by beautiful things.” He gave us all a swift bow before looking at my father and mother and touching his forehead to the floor in respect. “My lord…my lady…thank you for allowing me into your home…and for giving life to the woman I love. I see that she gets her beauty from her mother.”

“Hehe…charmer…” My mother giggled and the look on my father’s face almost made me choke on my tea. “You can raise your head…what was your name?”

“Oh…my name is Yasuke Nagamasaki…I come from a region in the west.” I was surprised that he had gifts for not only our parents, but also for me and my siblings. I eventually left them to their conversation, I would hate to watch my father grill Yasuke. Hopefully Hikaru and my mother could keep the peace. Walking around the outskirts of the mansion, I was greeted by another relative that I hadn’t seen even longer. 

“Masaru?”

“Oh! Well there’s a face that I haven’t seen in a long time.” He hugged me and he seemed to have gotten even taller. I thought my brothers were tall, but Masaru was becoming a tree. “I thought we would had lost you to married life.”

“Mmm…you should try it sometime. You might like it.”

“Nah…when I meet a woman who can throw me over a cliff…then there might be something to consider there…”

“Uh huh…so…is your father around?”

“He was here just the other day. He got into an argument with your mother the other day.”

“What for?” My mother and my uncle were notorious for their arguments, but honestly I felt as though my mother was still punishing my uncle. The things he did in the past were…horrible and unforgiving, but they were out of his control. There was so much evil in the world and something attached to my uncle. He only ever wanted to make things right and be the man that he was always meant to be. I missed him terribly.

“Oh…well Shino showed up unexpectedly and spooked her. Aunt Izumi thought that…well she was not happy about hearing Shino shriek and my father was standing in the same room.”

“It was just an unfortunate coincidence…my mother has got to stop with her attitude. Things will never change and get better if we hold onto hate.”

“That is funny coming from you…” I only shoot him a look and he threw up his hands immediately. “Sorry sorry! Anyway…I swear you are closer to my father then I am. You truly are his favorite…”

“Mmm….well don’t say that…you are his son…his only child. I highly doubt that I’m his favorite.” He scoffed and sat down on the veranda with a frown. I suppose something must have happened if he was making that face.

“Masaru…”

“We had an argument a few weeks back. We were in another land and you know…my father and I just travel and train and train and train. It seems to be the only thing that we ever do together. The only thing that we do besides train is drink together and occasionally have an actual father and son bonding moment that includes more drinks and sometimes women.”

I sat down beside him as he sighed and rubbed his temple in further frustration. The fur on his tails was even standing on edge as he thought about his father. I had never known the two of them to argue about anything. I hoped that whatever it was they could work through it. 

“What caused the argument?”

“You.”

“Me?”

“Oh yeah…and this is hardly the first time.” They argued about me? Why in the world would they have an argument about me? And it wasn’t the first time? “We got into a fight with some bandits and I had gotten injured. One of the men got the better of me…and after we left my father…he just snapped.”

“....”

“You are useless boy! How can you not handle some simple bandits?! You need to be more like Masami! She would never have struggled with them! She has always been perfect! While you can only be described as highly unexceptional! This is why she is my favorite! The only one who has a fucking spark!”

“He…he said that?”

“Oh yeah he did…it continued on for a bit too. Wishing that you were his daughter instead…hoping that you would come home soon. I was fed up with it and I came back here. I hadn’t seen my father in over two months, well that was until I saw him arguing with your mother. He barely spared me a glance though.”

“I’m so sorry Masaru…I never thought that…” I didn’t truly even know what to say to him. My uncle and I had always been close. He was like a second father to me, he was my mentor and he helped me with a lot of things, even though my mother absolutely loathe him. I could actually see that he seemed to prefer me over his own son, but to admit such a thing to his face? It was a horrible thing to do. 

“Hey…you aren’t at fault here. It's just my idiot of a father being an ass. We will eventually talk and work things out like we always do.”

“Still…he should have never said those things to you.”

“Eh…he’s been really stressed out lately. I think it's mostly because he’s been trying to have his own territory, so it's been hard to gather resources and people. He’s trying to get out of your father and mothers way. Now with that argument the other day, I feel that he might want it even more.”

“Mmm…I wish I could have seen him before he left…” Masaru chuckled before he stood up and patted my head. I grumbled and fixed my hair as he did. 

“I’m sure that he would love a visit from his favorite.”

“M-Masaru!” He said nothing else as he walked back into the house and I sighed deeply. It seemed that my family needed some therapy or just help in general. It had been some time since there was any sort of drama in the family, but now it seemed as though things had resumed. My problems could be swept away in their current mess though. Although, my mother could be more hawk than kitsune when it came to us. 

Speaking of family, besides my brothers, there was still someone that I hadn’t seen yet. I should go and see if she is awake. Of all my sisters, I think I missed my sweet sweet Chiharu the most and I wished that I had brought her a gift. I would make sure to get her something soon since I had the time for it now. Standing by her door, I could hear her shuffling around, most likely getting ready for the day. She was probably fussing with her hair. I suppose that I should help her with that, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face when I knocked and I could hear her fussing more.

“C-Come in!” 

I was assaulted by the gentle aroma of various flowers and the sight of many many stuffed animals. My dearest sister was such a girly girl. My father loved to spoil her with delicate and feminine things. I suppose that she got that from watching me. I was never as into stuffed animals as she was, but others often remarked on my feminine grace, but that was to be expected of the eldest daughter of a powerful clan. 

“Well good morning my love!” I smiled at Chiharu from her vanity mirror and her eyes almost left her skull when she saw me. No more words were said as she flung herself into my arms. The force behind the hug was stronger than I thought it would be, but we laughed the whole way down to the floor. Like I thought, her hair was giving her trouble once more. She had also gotten even more beautiful and I thanked my parents everyday for being together. My siblings and I were stunning and I would forever be conceited about that. 

“Masami! I’ve missed you so much! You have been gone far too long and you must never be away that long again!” I kissed the top of her head and sat up only to see that she had tears in her eyes.

“Oh love…please don’t cry…” I wiped her tears as she tried and failed to keep a straight face. “Come on…let’s fix your hair hmm?”

“O-Ok…” She was practically vibrating in her seat as I brushed through her long hair. Grabbing her bow, I tied half of her hair up into a bun and let the rest fall over her shoulders and back. I never knew how she couldn’t keep her hair tamed, it was so soft and didn’t tangle up too badly. 

“There you go. The prettiest kitsune in all the lands.”

“I think that will always go to you, Masami. If you weren’t married you would probably get more marriage proposals than me and Mei.”

“You both have been getting marriage proposals?” 

“Oh yes…father mostly burns the letters anyway, but some of them still get through. The only reason Emi or Hikaru haven’t gotten any is because father has spread a rumor about her having poor health.

“Poor health huh?” Yes, that was quite the believable rumor considering how often she runs around and is keen on being the most hyperactive kitsune around. 

“Hehe yes…Hikaru hasn’t been getting many proposals because she and father somehow convinced the entire kitsune populace that she was the cause of a recent plague across the region.”

“Huh?”

“Hehe…so every person that has ever been in contact with her has gotten a “deadly” illness. Of course it was nothing serious, but enough people thought it was. It turns out that father and Hikaru mastermind and plotted around with her magic and potions. It was quite a big issue for a while. Mother was beside herself in anger for weeks.”

“I…wow…I’d imagine so.”

“Hehe…father and Hikaru were effectively banished from home for three months before mother let them come back, and even then she made them sleep out in the gardens for another three.”

“Yes that…that sounds like something mother would do.”

“I guess the man that Hikaru is seeing most know that everything was a lie, or maybe she just really likes him, which I’m glad for her. Seeing your love with Callum makes me wish the same for the rest of our siblings.”

“Yeah…” I brushed through her tail before I moved on quickly. “How about for yourself?”

“O-Oh I…I don’t know…I would like to love…b-but…” I raised a brow as her stutter came back in full force, something that only really happened when she was nervous or embarrassed. I thought it was adorable. 

“What is it?”

“W-Well…you know…when you have someone you…d-do things together…”

“Yes? That is usually something you do with a lover. You go on dates and vacations and such…”

“N-Not that! I mean…things that…m-married people do…l-like you and our parents…”

“Like me and…oh! Oh!” Her face burned bright as she looked down at her hands. I twirled the brush in my hands as my own face grew red. Intimate matters were something that I kept private myself and I often got flustered too. Now, to hear my precious and innocent Chiharu bring it up brought a whole wave of embarrassment. “Well…um…you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to love.”

“I know..b-but…it just seems so…like so much and embarrassing…”

“Well…in my um…experience…when it is someone you love and who respects and appreciates you…it will be a wonderful experience. You won’t even feel embarrassed I promise.”

“Really? W-What about you?”

“Oh I…it…it was perfect.”

“Well…that does make me feel better.” I was about to ask her if she had any other stories to tell, but Mei suddenly appeared at the door.

“Sorry to interrupt, but mother wants to see you Masami.” Of course she did. She couldn’t just let me sulk for one day. 

“Alright…we can chat later Chiharu.” My smile disappeared once I made my way down the hallway. What was I to say to them? That my marriage is over and my heart is broken? My father would lose his mind over it and my mother would try to stop him from doing something so stupid. 

I sighed outside the room before I entered to see my mother with an already calculating frown, while my father just looked confused, bless his heart. 

“Yes mother?”

“I thought that I would check on you my butterfly. You seemed distracted when you came in this morning…more closed off.”

“Oh…I’m just tired…it felt strange to be in a bed that I haven’t slept in for so long.”

“You could always stay Masami. Your bed will feel familiar once more.” My mother rolled her eyes but kept her comments to herself. 

“I’m fine really…I just cleaned and prepped dinner for Callum. It just took most of the afternoon since I also went to get food and tend the garden a bit.”

“Does the man do nothing to help you? I swear…”

“No no! I enjoy tending to my home and Callum! Being a housewife is very calming and relaxing for me…I just…needed a break and Callum helps me around the house all the time.”

“Mmhmm…” My father grumbled and went to the other side of the room to sign his documents, but my mother didn’t seem convinced of what I was telling her at all. 

“Masami…is there something going on with you and Callum?” She held my hand and pulled me in close to her. It was easy to relax against her and I just wanted to cry because I had no idea how everything just seemed to fall apart. We should have been planning for our anniversary right now, or at least just loving each other.

“I…yes…” I didn’t want to admit the problems in my own home, especially seeing how wonderful and perfect my parent’s marriage is. It was such a stupid thing to leave him for. It just made no sense to me and I hated it. 

“What?! What happened?”

“I…something happened that wasn’t supposed to happen. The one thing that I wasn’t supposed to do as a kitsune.”

“The…what my butterfly?”

“I shouldn’t have done it!” I buried my face in my hands as my tears finally spilled out. “There was a waterfall and I just wanted to soak in it…I had no idea he was there! Callum saw my tails and everything! So I left…I left our home, my ring, him! It’s over between us!”

“Oh my dear…” My mother hugged me tight and rubbed my back, but it barely did much to comfort me. The love of my life was gone because of a simple mistake. These stupid rules ruined everything and they just made no sense. “I…I’m sorry butterfly, but I don’t see how him knowing that you are a kitsune would ruin your marriage.”

“W-What? Of course it would…that’s why I had you all be in disguise for the wedding. I couldn’t let him know the truth.”

“That’s why we haven’t had a proper meeting with him? I thought it was because we needed to keep our identities hidden because of the forces that he faces. It was understandable, which is why we never fought it and took you for your word that he was a good man. I thought that he knew you were a kitsune?”

“N-No…f-father told me that once a kitsune’s lover sees their true form that they would to leave or something horrific would happen…and it would be even more dangerous because Callum is a Supernova. If my identity would put him in danger with his greatest enemy…I could not risk that no matter what. Our family has a history of misfortune…so I took father’s advice and kept it to myself.”

“....” I leaned back to wipe my eyes and my mother was wearing a blank expression on her face. Her tails suddenly cut through the air angrily before she slowly turned to look at my father…who was currently climbing out the window. “Takeshi!”

I blinked in confusion as my father jumped from the window and my mother practically tore out the window as she chased after him, a slew of curses spewing from her mouth. Rubbing my eyes, it was not long before I heard more cursing and things crashing. The maids walking the halls squeaked in shock as I could hear my mother wrestling my father. It was not long before they both stumbled back into the room, with my mother pinning my father’s arm behind his back before shoving him to the ground, her knee deep in the center of his back.

“I-Izumi! I-I give! I give!”

“Apologize now!”

“L-Listen I only-”

“APOLOGIZE!” 

My father grumbled despite the death grip my mother had on his arms at the moment. If she kept up the force, I’m sure that she would have caused some damage if not ripped them off. “F-Fine…”

Releasing him, my father rolled his arm as he grimaced in pain, and my mother stood over him with her arms crossed and seething in rage. Taking my hands, my father sighed once more before he looked at me quite seriously. “My butterfly…what I told you about the secret and keeping it…was not true. I…it was an old myth that has been disproven for many many years. I…I have always had a hard time with you girls growing up, and when you announced your engagement…well I thought I was losing my daughter. I should never have been petty and done something that has caused you great distress. Forgive me, daughter.”

“....” There was no conceivable way that my father lied to me just because…I…of all the things to do! “So I…I left my husband for no reason! A lie!”

“Masami…I…I know and it is still a failing of mine-”

I wanted to have my chance to rail into him, but my mother suddenly looked out the window. Her eyes were alert, but it was like she was looking at something far away. My father instantly stood and held her hand, and she tightened her grip, which meant that she wasn’t having a vision. She hadn’t had a vision in quite some time, but I just took that as a good thing. I could have been seeing things, but it almost looked like the gem on her forehead started to shimmer. 

“Takeshi…I’m going to head out for a bit.” She gave me a smile before she planted a gentle kiss on my father’s head. “Try not to tell our daughter more ridiculous things.”

“Mmm…” Once she left, I glared daggers into his skull and he rubbed the back of his nervously. “Masami…please forgive me…I never meant to hurt you…”

“Hmph!” I turned my nose at him, intending on making him work for my forgiveness. This also meant that I had no reason to stay. I could save my marriage and be happy once more. “I will think about it…”

“Well…that is the best that I can hope for huh?”

“Yes…yes it is…” 

I was more than a little curious about whatever it was that my mother was doing. It seemed to be something serious, but my father did not budge from his spot. He was always ready to follow my mother anywhere she went to keep her safe. Of course, she would argue him down about being able to take care of herself, but I think she secretly liked to put up a fuss and have my father care for her. Once I finished nagging my father in the ground, I could not help being curious. 

I followed my mothers scent deep into the woods outside our home. Perhaps she was just taking a walk, she often did this every few months, but was always gone for hours at a time. Whenever I asked, she just said she liked the peace and quiet that the forest brings. I never believed it for a second, but I never pressed the issue and eventually left her to her secrets. Now, there was a pull and a need to discover what she was doing. After that, I would leave and be ready to talk to Callum and explain what happened and apologize for everything. 

It was eerily quiet despite it being so early in the morning. There wasn’t even any animals running around. I quicken my pace towards my mother because I didn’t like the feeling that I was getting. It wasn’t until I heard her voice that I finally stopped. 

“Yes…I know…it is holding strong…I promise that you have nothing to worry about and if anything happens you will be the first to know.”

“....”

“Yes…I will stay close by to ensure that it doesn’t break or that no one has discovered it.” I crept closer so that I could hear who she was talking to. 

“I have to get to them…but they are fighting back far more fiercely than I would like. They want that child badly…but she’s running out of time…”

“I have faith that you will persevere and get through your battle. I wish that I could give you more hope than just my words.”

Wait…that female voice sounded like…

“I can’t send it directly to her while I am fighting…”

“I’m glad that I was able to make it so quickly for you, but yes…there is no telling if it will be delivered while they are fighting. It could get lost or smashed in all of the chaos…”

“Masami…perhaps you could help?” My ears perked up as I stepped through the brush. My mother’s eyes narrowed as I stepped over to her. Looking at the person she was talking to…I was surprised to see a pure white kitsune, and even more surprised when I realized that I recognized her.

“Lady Serafina?!”

“Masami! What are you doing out here?!” I flinched at my mothers tone, but she relaxed when lady Serafina placed a hand on her shoulder. It was only after she did that I realized that I could see right through her hand, and most of her body for that matter. This was only an image of her, her real body must be indisposed somewhere else, and by the sounds of it, she needed to get somewhere in a hurry-

“Is Callum alright?!” My heart leaped to my throat as I rushed over to stand beside my mother, who still looked annoyed at me being here. That didn’t matter because Callum was the only person on my mind. They were in the middle of a mission and she was voicing such concerns that something must have happened. 

“He…well they are running into some serious issues. Celica in particular is going through the worst of it. She’s dying Masami…and she has less than an hour left if something isn’t done.”

“What?!” I felt sick. I felt useless and weak. MY legs felt like they were going to give out under me if not for my mother holding my waist. My Callum was in danger and my best friend…she…she would be dead in an hour. What in the world was happening on that mission?

“It is the weapons that are being spread across the cosmos…” She turned and ran a agitated hand through her hair. “They give even the weakest mortals strength and if a god was to wield them…well it has been a disaster.”

“There….there must be something that can be done right?! You have to help them!”

“Masami I am trying…believe me I am. The Darkness is making it impossible to make it down to the planet. I came here to ask your mother for a healing tonic she specifically made for injuries only the Darkness causes.” 

“You made a medicine for injuries that the Darkness causes?” I raised a brow at my mother who sighed deeply before sharing a look with lady Serafina. 

“Do you remember all those years ago when…when we were at war with the Nobara clan? Those creatures in the woods were from the Darkness. It caused a lot of injuries but…well your mother is pretty smart when given the right tools and cause. So I made something that Celica needs to heal.”

“I…I remember them but…” That day flashed back in my mind, thoughts of the war always found their way to my mind at random. The entity in the field that day, it was not just some creature…it was-

“It is exactly what you think it is Masami.” I snapped my eyes up to meet lady Serafina’s and she only gave me a weary smile. “You were…very lucky that day- no…luck had nothing to do with it. You are stronger than anyone would dare give you credit for.” 

“...” I highly doubt that. It had to have been sheer luck for things to go my way that day. The thing that was nagging me was how did my mother and lady Serafina know each other? Looking at my mother, it seemed that she didn’t even want me in these woods, and I swear that gem on her forehead was shimmering again. “Mother…what is your relationship with Lady Serafina? That gem on your forehead…what is it and what are you hiding in this forest?”

“Masami…” My mother sighed deeply as she faced me. “My butterfly…I promise that this is nothing for you to worry about. We…we have known each other for a while and the reason for that is nothing to be concerned about. Your friend and husband are in danger…”

“I…”

“You can discuss it with her later.” I looked back at lady Serafina as she locked eyes with my mother. “You can tell her about it, but for now I need something from her.”

“What? My daughter is not about to be tangled up into something that is no concern of hers…this is something that your people have to handle.”

“Mother please…” I grabbed her arm and she sighed in annoyance. “What is it, my lady?”

“I need you to go to Zosmuna and get this medicine to Celica. I will send you there so I would need you prepare. Celica does not have much time…none of them do. I could fight the Darkness for a long time…they don’t have that and the child must be moved.”

I could feel my mother growing agitated next to me, but I could only think about my love and my friends. I had to help them no matter the cost.

“Mother…I will be alright.” She closed her eyes and I could see the gears in her head spinning, spinning in fear. “Callum will be there…I will be surrounded by gods who will keep me safe.” 

“I…I don’t like this one bit…”

“Mother…I will be just fine. I will be in and out.” I hugged her close and she nodded against my shoulder. 

“Alright…just be careful. Your father is going to have a heart attack over this though.”

“Yeah…I imagine that he would.” Rubbing my cheek and giving me a final hug my mother left me alone with lady Serafina.

“So…how are we doing this?”

“I will send you to the planet and I’ll give you something to track them if you need it. Other than that just get the medicine to Celica. I will try to wrap this fight with the Darkness up so you all can make it back to my temple.”

“Alright…I can do that…” Turning back to the mansion, I was stopped by her speaking up once more. 

“I know that it has been some time Masami…but hopefully you won’t have to get involved…”

“Yes…for their sakes…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[cookie-run-kingdom-story]

Spooky Spider Mansion

Blackberry Cookie: Clear skies and sunny. A perfect day for laundry. I must get started on cleaning. Blackberry Cookie: Before the laundry, I will start with the attic. It is much too cluttered. Blackberry Cookie: Hmm. Dusty adventure storybooks. Old portraits… And what’s this? A mirror from an expedition… Blackberry Cookie: Ah. It has been a while since I’ve laid eyes upon this doll. I will wash this too. Blackberry Cookie: A gust of wind…?

Blackberry Cookie: The doll has been swept away to the lawn next door… I must retrieve it befo- Adventurer Cookie: Hey there, Blackberry Cookie! I’m BAAACK! And I’ve brought some friends. Blackberry Cookie: *Sigh* I will have to retrieve the doll later when I have the time. Blackberry Cookie: Please stay put.

???: Oh me, oh my! What an adorable doll. Where did you come from, deary?

Sandwich Cookie: That was quite the pillow fight! Let’s do it again! Cheerleader Cookie: Why didn’t you join us, Vampire Cookie? Vampire Cookie: Lying down in bed is more fun. Adventure Cookie: Huh? The pillow fight’s over already? I wanted to join in too! Adventure Cookie: Time sure does fly when roaming the halls with Blackberry Cookie…

Adventure Cookie: Hmm? Blackberry Cookie! Hey, where ya going? Blackberry Cookie: A piece of laundry has landed in front of Spider Mansion. I am going to retrieve it. Adventure Cookie: Spider Mansion…!? No, I can’t let you go alone. I’m going with you! Popcorn Cookie: Spider Mansion? Is that what it’s really called? It sounds like a horror title! Adventurer Cookie: Yeah, it’s just next door. There are tons of spiders living there. Fairy Cookie: It sounds… frightening… Adventurer Cookie: The Cookie who lives there, Truffle Cookie, stands on the porch with an umbrella outside and waits… Adventurer Cookie: …until Cookies come close to the house. Only to tie them up in spider webs and keep them from escaping! Sandwich Cookie: Yikes! That’s… that’s scary! Adventurer Cookie: I snuck into that garden as a kid. And Truffle Cookie was smiling at me! I ran for my life! Adventurer Cookie: But I’m not afraid anymore. Besides, I’ve adventured to far more dangerous places! Cheerleader Cookie: Let’s go together! I’m going to cheer you on, Blackberry Cookie! Vampire Cookie: Do we have to…? Let’s just go tomorrow…

Sandwich Cookie: The sky was clear when we left… Why’s it so dark all of the sudden? And is that a storm coming in? Popcorn Cookie: You can’t explore an old mansion without a storm! It’s like… a law! Adventurer Cookie: Well, I guess we just ring the doorbell and… Huh? Fairy Cookie: The door opened on its own… Truffle Cookie: Hello dearies. What brings you to my abode? Do you need an umbrella for this storm? Blackberry Cookie: We apologize for intruding at this hour. Blackberry Cookie: We are searching for something that the wind carried to this manor. Truffle Cookie: Oh my, I see. The wind brings so many things here. I store them all in my house. Truffle Cookie: Why not come inside and search for it? Make yourselves… comfortable.

Truffle Cookie: It has been a while since I’ve had visitors. I must prepare some tea for you. Truffle Cookie: You have my permission to search every part of the house. I will be back with refreshments. Popcorn Cookie: Wow! Thanks! Truffle Cookie: However, please do not touch anything. Also, please disregard any… strange noises. Adventurer Cookie: This definitely isn’t a normal house. Let’s hurry and find the… Adventurer Cookie: Speaking of which, Blackberry Cookie. What exactly are we looking for? A towel? A shirt? Blackberry Cookie: …A doll. Adventurer Cookie: A doll? I don’t remember having any dolls at home…

Fairy Cookie: Why are there so many cobwebs… There are too many cobwebs… Are those… spiders? Sandwich Cookie: Don’t worry. We’re all here, together! *Gulp* Truffle Cookie: Now, now… There’s nothing to fear. These spiders are my friends. Truffle Cookie: I will prepare some refreshments in the kitchen. Do feel free to take a look around the house.

Adventurer Cookie: Hmm… Where could it be? Cheerleader Cookie: Aren’t dolls usually placed on beds? Cheerleader Cookie: Oh… there’s nothing here. But it’s OK! We can do it! Goooo… TEAM! Sandwich Cookie: How big is this missing doll? According to its size, it might fit in a cabinet drawer! Sandwich Cookie: Nothing here… Welp! How about the next drawer! Oh… there’s nothing here either.

Adventurer Cookie: There’s nothing behind the curtains or under the shelves… Blackberry Cookie: It is safe to say the doll is not here. And Vampire Cookie. Please do not lie down on the bed. Vampire Cookie: *Yawn* Can I go back now…? Blackberry Cookie: Unfortunately, no. We must retrieve the doll. It is quite important. Fairy Cookie: Do you hear that…? Someone is… crying. Popcorn Cookie: Oooh! It must be a ghost! This is just like being in a horror movie! Fairy Cookie: Where is that sound coming from… Blackberry Cookie: Perhaps we will learn something if we find the source of the noise. Popcorn Cookie: We need to be careful! In the movies, something always happens about now, hehe! Adventurer Cookie: I’m going to take one last look under the bed. It’s the only place we didn’t check. Adventurer Cookie: Huh? There’s something here! Popcorn Cookie: I knew it! There’s a ghost hiding under the bed! CLASSIC! Adventurer Cookie: Ugh… I can’t see anything. If I can just… reach… further… Adventurer Cookie: Almost… Ha! Got it! AGH! It’s a toy, wrapped in spider webs! Fairy Cookie: EEK! Blackberry Cookie: The doll we are searching for may also have met the same fate. Let us proceed to the next room.

Blackberry Cookie: The sobbing appears to be coming from this room. Fairy Cookie: What if… there’s something scary behind that door… Adventurer Cookie: But it might be a Cookie crying! We need to help! Cheerleader Cookie: Wait a second! On the stairs to the basement… It’s… it’s… strawberry jam! Sandwich Cookie: *Sniff sniff* Something smells funny too. It smells… rotten! Cheerleader Cookie: Wh- wh- what’s down in the basement!?

Truffle Cookie: Aw, have you made any progress? Adventurer Cookie: GAH! T-Truffle Cookie! When did you come from? I mean… Where did you get here? Wait, I meant- Truffle Cookie: Do not fret. My spiders helped me here. May I suggest searching a different room, far from here? Truffle Cookie: The basement is not the place you will find your missing item. Sandwich Cookie: How fishy! There must be something down in the basement. Vampire Cookie: Ugh, stairs. Hey look, there’s a room right there… Let’s just try that one…

Sandwich Cookie: Hmm? The crying has stopped. Adventurer Cookie: Hurry, let’s find that doll! Fairy Cookie: There’s lots of strange things here… Is* just me or… did the bear in that portrait just throw a vase?

*actual text

Popcorn Cookie: There might be a ghost in the closet! Ghosts in all the movies love hiding in closets! Cheerleader Cookie: GAH! Popcorn Cookie, don’t say that when I’m right beside the closet…! Adventurer Cookie: Psssh! There’s no such thing as ghosts.

Adventurer Cookie: ACK! Who shut door* just now!?

*actual text

Sandwich Cookie: The crying has started again! W-w-wait! Who shut off the lights? Fairy Cookie: EEK! The drawers are… opening and closing on their own…! Blackberry Cookie: Please remain calm, everyone. And beware of the flying objects. Popcorn Cookie: WOW! Look at that! The clocks are turning backwards! It’s gotta be a ghost! Sandwich Cookie: Vampire Cookie, don’t hide under the blanket! And Popcorn Cookie, what happens next in the movies? Popcorn Cookie: Oooh! I know! The ghost might be floating on the ceiling! Sandwich Cookie: The ceiling!? But there’s nothing there!

Adventurer Cookie: What was that? What just happened? Cheerleader Cookie: The closet door… it’s opening! But there’s no one there! Fairy Cookie: Then.. then who opened it…? Adventurer Cookie: !!!

Onion Cookie: My… my tears won’t stop… Waa! Blackberry Cookie: Onion Cookie. Have you been here, all this time? Adventurer Cookie: You know this Cookie? Blackberry Cookie: …I have seen her on occasion. Cheerleader Cookie: Why are you hiding here? Onion Cookie: I… I don’t know… *Sniffle* I opened my eyes… And I was here. Fairy Cookie: Did Onion Cookie get here on a gust of wind too…? Sandwich Cookie: Or maybe her being here has something to do with… Truffle Cookie. Adventurer Cookie: Let’s take Onion Cookie with us when we get out of here!

Blackberry Cookie: All the rooms have been searched. Only the parlor and the basement remain. Cheerleader Cookie: Where could it be… Fairy Cookie: It’s too dark, and the hallway lights won’t turn on… Onion Cookie: I’m scared… *Sniffle* Cheerleader Cookie: Let’s head to the parlor. I’ll take the lead!

Blackberry Cookie: I believe this is the parlor. Adventurer Cookie: Everyone’s here, right? Adventurer Cookie: Two… four… six… seven… Good! We’re all here. Let’s head into the parlor. Sandwich Cookie: Wait. Something’s wrong. There was seven of us at first. Sandwich Cookie: Then Onion Cookie joined us… But we’re still at seven? …Where’s Vampire Cookie!? Cheerleader Cookie: Vampire Cookie! Where are you? Hellooo? Fairy Cookie: Maybe he’s not around here… I can’t hear anything. Sandwich Cookie: Did Truffle Cookie do something to Vampire Cookie…? Blackberry Cookie: She is quite peculiar, yes. But I doubt she has ill intent. Blackberry Cookie: Let us hurry and find the doll. As well as Vampire Cookie.

Cheerleader Cookie: Look at all these dolls! There’s so many of them covered in spider webs here. Adventurer Cookie: Blackberry Cookie’s missing doll might be here! Fairy Cookie: Oh no, I’m stuck…! Sandwich Cookie: Stay calm, let me help. The more you struggle, the more you’ll get stuck.

Fairy Cookie: Thank you, Sandwich Cookie… I thought I would be stuck there forever… Sandwich Cookie: Don’t worry. Like I said, we’re here together. Cheerleader Cookie: Hey look, by the window! The rocking chair is moving on its own…! Blackberry Cookie: Is someone there? Fairy Cookie: Is it really a ghost this time…? Adventurer Cookie: I’ll turn the chair around! One, two… three! Blackberry Cookie: …We have found the missing doll. Cheerleader Cookie: OK team! Let’s go find Vampire Cookie now! Onion Cookie: Uh… The gargoyle on the balcony… It just moved! I’m… I’m scared!

Sandwich Cookie: Huh!? Things are falling over! But there wasn’t a ghost in that chair! Onion Cookie: Waa! I’m scared! Adventurer Cookie: Watch out! The chandelier is about to fall!

Sandwich Cookie: The chandelier just fell on its own. Where is this ghost? Onion Cookie: I’m scared… *Sniffle* Blackberry Cookie: Hush now, Onion Cookie. Everything will be fine. After all, we found the missing doll. Onion Cookie: *Sniffle* Adventurer Cookie: Blackberry Cookie, this isn’t yours? But why search for it? Adventurer Cookie: Come to think of it… Where have I seen this doll before? And Onion Cookie seems familiar too. Adventurer Cookie: If she lives nearby, maybe we played together as kids? Blackberry Cookie: …That is a question that I am not fit to answer. Fairy Cookie: Things are calming down… Maybe the ghost went away… Adventurer Cookie: But the chandelier is blocking our way to the door. Adventurer Cookie: Ah ha! I’ve got an idea! Adventurer Cookie: I’ll tie my rope above the chandelier. Then we can swing across! Popcorn Cookie: Awesome! It’s just like being in an action movie! Adventurer Cookie: All right now, one at a time. I’ll be right behind you!

Adventurer Cookie: What!? The door’s locked! Cheerleader Cookie: Are we going to end up like the dolls on the spider webs!? Sandwich Cookie: Calm down, let’s be rational! Let’s think of an alternative. Adventurer Cookie: Blackberry Cookie… Er… I’m sorry for running off on so many adventures. Blackberry Cookie: What is the reason for this sudden apology? Adventurer Cookie: We might be trapped here forever. …If we can get back home, there’s something I want to give you. Blackberry Cookie: …I, too, have something to confess. Adventurer Cookie: What is it? You can tell me anything. Blackberry Cookie: This is a sliding door. Pushing or pulling will not work. Adventurer Cookie: Eh?

Adventurer Cookie: All right! The only place we haven’t checked is the basement! Fairy Cookie: I hope nothing happened to Vampire Cookie…

Popcorn Cookie: A long, fancy dining table just like in the movies! Is it for eating? Or something sinister? Sandwich Cookie: That strange smell is getting stronger too… Where is it coming from? Fairy Cookie*: All the furniture is covered in white sheets. NO! It’s spider webs!

*actual text says Cheerleader Cookie, but Fairy Cookie’s sprite is shown instead

Adventurer Cookie: Look! A shadow…! There’s someone at the end of the table. Sandwich Cookie: Is it another doll…? Onion Cookie: This is too scary… Blackberry Cookie: You are safe with us, Onion Cookie.

Sandwich Cookie: It’s Vampire Cookie! And… he’s asleep… Sandwich Cookie: Wake up, Vampire Cookie! Vampire Cookie: *Yawn* Five more minutes… ZZZZzzzz… Adventurer Cookie: Whew! You’re safe! Now c’mon, time to bust out of here! Truffle Cookie: Ah, all of you have gathered here? I’ve been looking for you. Cheerleader Cookie: Truffle Cookie!

Truffle Cookie: I brought some tasty snacks. Please, enjoy! Fairy Cookie: What’s that behind her? Are those… spiders!? Adventurer Cookie: Run for it! NOW! Vampire Cookie: Truffle Cookie, do you have more grape juice? Sandwich Cookie: Huh? Vampire Cookie, aren’t you afraid of Truffle Cookie? Vampire Cookie: Why? What’re you talking about? Cheerleader Cookie: Truffle Cookie trapped you here! Isn’t that why you disappeared? Vampire Cookie: I just found a giant, comfy bed on the way to parlor*. That’s why.

*actual text

Vampire Cookie: You were walking around too much. And ghosts are scary, so I was just lying down. Adventurer Cookie: Vampire Cookie is afraid of ghosts…? Sandwich Cookie: So you were hiding under the blanket… Vampire Cookie: Truffle Cookie was getting some snacks ready and brought me to the parlor. Vampire Cookie: She was right. This chair is as comfy as a bed, perfect for a nap. Cheerleader Cookie: Wait, this is the parlor? Not that room with the chandelier? Truffle Cookie: Oh no, silly. That room is for my antique collection. The parlor is here, in the basement. Truffle Cookie: It’s easier to plan surprise parties for guests here. Fairy Cookie: But there was strawberry jam on the stairs… Truffle Cookie: Oh dear, oh dear. The tea set was quite heavy, and I ended up spilling a portion. Truffle Cookie: So this time, I brought my spiders to help me. Sandwich Cookie: Is that… are those…? The spiders are carrying tea cups and plates! Sandwich Cookie: Er… what exactly is that funny smell? Truffle Cookie: It is my favorite scented candle. A shame that it is not to your liking. Truffle Cookie: Am I to presume you found your missing doll? Blackberry Cookie: Yes. We found it by a rocking chair next to a window. Truffle Cookie: Oh, that was your missing doll? It was still wet when I found it. I placed it next to the window to dry. Adventurer Cookie: So… Truffle Cookie isn’t a scary Cookie?

Popcorn Cookie: This place is perfect for a horror flick! Sandwich Cookie: How did you make these spider-shaped sandwiches? I must know the recipe! Cheerleader Cookie: Thanks for the tasty snacks! And thank you for the umbrella! Truffle Cookie: It was worth standing and waiting with an umbrella in hand. Please do visit again.

Adventurer Cookie: We’re almost home! Hey, Onion Cookie. Where do you live? Onion Cookie: I… don’t know… Sandwich Cookie: Truffle Cookie said she’s never met Onion Cookie before either. Did she really fly on the wind…? Blackberry Cookie: I shall escort her. Let us depart, Onion Cookie. Onion Cookie: *Sniffle* Thank you… Do you know where I live? Blackberry Cookie: It is very close. Adventurer Cookie: Why not join us at my house? We can play and have fun before you go home! Onion Cookie: Can I…? I hate being alone… Blackberry Cookie: By the way. You claimed to have a gift. I believe now is a good time. Adventurer Cookie: I brought back an amazing candle holder from my most recent adventure! It’ll surely suit you! Blackberry Cookie: I look forward to seeing it. But… Blackberry Cookie: Your safe return is a far greater gift.

[wistfulcynic]

The Outlaw Killian Jones (and the legend Emma Swan)

SUMMARY: Emma Swan is a schoolteacher, respectable and respected in the small town of Haven, Wyoming. She does her job and minds her business, but she has a secret. One that brings meaning to her dull life and excitement to her restless soul. One that she knows could end at any moment. 

Killian Jones is a man with a powerful enemy and nothing to lose. He’s prepared to sacrifice every bit of that nothing for the sake of his revenge. 

Or, at least, he was. 

-

I am THRILLED to be here, kicking off the @cshistfic​ Historical Fics event! I’ve always loved reading romances set in the past and Westerns are a long-time favourite. Given how deeply entrenched the Western genre is in American culture, it’s funny to think about how a) most of it was made up for dime novels and, later, radio and television shows and movies, and b) the actual historical period that we call the Old West only lasted roughly thirty years—from the post-Civil War westward expansion under the Homestead Act to around the turn of the 20th century. This fic is set right around the end of that time—late 1890s to early 1900s—in the waning moments of the open range and the “lawless” frontier and the start of the modern era with its trains and barbed wire and cars and world wars. I’ve tried to capture a bit of that sense of transition in the story, mostly with the way it ends. 

Huge thanks to @shireness-says​​ for coming up with and running this event, and to @thisonesatellite​​ for Just Being Her. 

Words: 4.9k Rating: T Tags: Western AU, historical, outlaw Killian, schoolteacher Emma, all the historical detail, I did so much research for this 

on AO3

-

The Outlaw Killian Jones (and the legend Emma Swan): 

The hour was late, afternoon edging into evening in the town of Haven, Wyoming. ‘Town’ as a designation flattered it, this tiny settlement tucked back against craggy and striated formations of rock and nestled amongst ragged brush, being, as it was, scarcely more than a handful of rough-hewn cabins, a church, a general store, a blacksmith and livery stable, a saloon with its attendant whorehouse, and a school. 

The store and the smithy did the town’s most active business; unsurprisingly, seeing as they were the only examples of either within the radius of a good fifty miles. The residents—those who lived within the town’s scant limits—were certainly insufficient in their numbers to support either one, but the owners of those ranches that lay outside the town, they and their ranch hands, their wives, and their daughters, frequented both with pleasing regularity. 

The general store doubled, as such establishments generally did, as a post office, in which capacity it served as the sole tenuous link between this stark western land and the fashionable cities of the east. The Sears and Roebuck catalogue and that of Montgomery Ward, both prominently displayed beside the till, were tattered and well-thumbed, and the monthly mail delivery never came without piles of brown-wrapped parcels containing the latest in fashion and technology from the wider world—hints at the wonders promised by the new century. 

Very little of this prosperity touched the actual residents of Haven. The lives they lived were hard ones, scratched from unforgiving soil, but they were good folk, honest and hard-working. They lived simply and piously and for the most part happily. They tended their gardens and their livestock, read their Bibles, loved their children, and whenever possible sent those children to school. 

The Haven school, a single room with two windows, one on either side, and a disproportionate bell-tower on the roof—both this tower and the bell it contained were gifts from a local rancher, who considered them a better use of his money than blackboards or books—was located well away from the town’s main street. It had no fireplace, only a tiny, smoky, potbellied stove, and in the warmer months no breeze blew through the unglazed windows. The pupils sat on simple benches and copied their lessons onto slates that sold at the general store for rather more than their parents could comfortably afford; lessons their teacher laid out for them on a thickly-whitewashed wall with a piece of charcoal, the dust of which stained her fingers and her clothing, and embedded itself beneath her nails so deeply there were times she felt she’d never be free of it. 

This teacher’s name, the one she used, was Miss Emma Swan. A solitary and self-contained woman of about twenty-six, far too pretty for a schoolteacher most said, and if pressed these same would likely agree that teaching was not what folks might refer to as her calling. Though none could deny that she did her best and was kind to the children—a thing not always guaranteed from schoolmarms—she exuded such a restless air, an impatience with the tedium of her job and the pace of life in Haven which she did not trouble to conceal, that it was a subject of great curiosity amongst the residents why she continued to stay there. 

“I have my reasons,” she would say, whenever anyone dared to broach the subject, “and those reasons are my own.” There it was and there it would remain as far as Emma was concerned, and as the townsfolk knew her to be a courteous woman but one who never minced her words when riled, they declined to press the issue. 

By the time Miss Emma Swan had finished up in the schoolroom on this particular late afternoon, the floor swept and the board cleaned and lessons all prepared for the following day, the sun was already slipping behind the craggy rocks at her back and casting upon the town a peculiar sort of distended twilight—shrouded in shadows beneath a glaring blue sky. As she made her way the short distance between the schoolhouse and her own cabin—or rather, the schoolteacher’s cabin, perhaps the most compelling perk of her job—a brisk breeze ruffled the hem of her skirt and the few flyaway hairs that had escaped her tidy Gibson bun. The night would likely be another chilly one, and Emma wondered absently if she had enough wood left to leave the fire high for an extra hour or two or if she should resign herself now to another cold, dark evening spent alone. 

The cabin where she lived, she and sixty years of schoolteachers before her, was small and rough like most in Haven and comprised only two rooms: a small bedroom to the rear and a larger space at the front used equally for sitting, cooking, and dining. In this front room was both a fireplace and stove, the latter surprisingly modern and another gift from a different rancher, to the previous teacher. Near this stove sat a small wooden table and two matching chairs; a soft and generous armchair had pride of place before the fire. 

The bedroom was by far Emma’s preferred room. The walls in it were painted, in a pale and soothing blue, and on one of them a charming watercolour of forget-me-nots was hung. There was a white wardrobe with a mirrored door, a washstand and a vanity table, and a large bed with a sturdy iron frame. The curtains on the single window were of dotted swiss that Emma had sewn herself, and in the morning when she opened them she was greeted by the colours of the dawn. 

Emma removed her buttoned boots the moment she was through the door; they pinched her toes and she disliked wearing them indoors. She replaced them with a well-worn pair of carpet slippers then headed for the bedroom, there to change out of her school clothes and into the more comfortable, loose wrap dress she preferred at home. When she entered the room she had already undone most of the buttons on her high-collared blouse and so made straight for the wardrobe, without so much as a glance at the bed. 

The mirror on the wardrobe door as it swung open flashed the brief reflection of a face, just as Emma heard the sound of a chair leg scrape against the bare wood floor. She gasped and spun around, eyes wide and one hand pressed against her chest. 

There could be no question that the man currently in occupation of her vanity chair, sprawled in it with an air as casual as it was deceptive, was one who had followed quite a different path of life than that afforded to the residents of Haven. His untidy hair and the thick scruff on his jaw might not be especially remarkable out in this still-wild corner of Wyoming, but the narrow cut of his coat and the embroidery on the waistcoat beneath it, the silver chain of his pocket-watch and the ostentatious knot of his tie marked him as a man who knew his way around a gambling table for both good or ill and could likely acquit himself equally well in both scenarios. A man who dealt with the hardships of life by shooting rather than working his way out of them—as the gleaming six-shooter currently pointed straight at Emma would most certainly attest. 

Emma forced herself to breathe, slow and steady. Her heart was pounding. The man greeted her with a brusque nod, and cocked the hammer on his revolver. 

“Don’t let me interrupt you, love,” he drawled, in an accent that suited this town less even than his clothes or his gun. “By all means, keep going.” 

Emma swallowed hard and with trembling fingers undid the remainder of her buttons. Her blouse hung open to reveal the hooks of the corset underneath. 

The man gave his gun a menacing wave. “All the way now, there’s a good lass.” 

She shrugged off the blouse and let it fall to the floor. 

“And the skirt.” 

She unhooked her grey wool skirt and released it to pool around her ankles. 

His voice rasped. “Take down your hair.” 

Emma shivered.

Three pins and two combs held her hair in place. She removed them, dropped them into the pile of clothing at her feet; the bun tumbled down and over her shoulder. 

“Shake your head.” 

She did, vigorously. The bun unraveled further and strands of silky blonde fell across her face. 

He swallowed audibly. “Now the rest.” 

Emma hesitated, fingers hovering over the hooks on her corset. She wore nothing beneath it but a combination made of thin cotton lawn.

The man raised his gun and growled, “All of it.” 

She tossed her head back, jutted her chin out high in defiance. Her belly churned with a dark thrill of anticipation as she unhooked the corset and flung it away. He chuckled, low and rough. Emma fumbled with the buttons on her combination as he uncocked his gun and set it aside, then undid the belt designed to hold it. His eyes locked with hers as he stood, pale blue and profoundly tired, eyes that had seen far too much. 

She finished with the buttons but left the combination on, parted to reveal a thin strip of pale skin. Her heart thundered as he approached, her breaths short and heaving. He swaggered up and stopped in front of her, close enough that she could smell the dust and sweat on him, so close she had to tilt her head again to see his face. His hand slipped beneath her shift to curl around her waist, fingers rough on her soft skin. 

“I—” Emma gasped as he pulled her closer, flush against him. His voice was a rumbling growl in her ear.

“You what, love?” 

“I was expecting you yesterday!” she snapped, and then she kissed him. 

-

“Gold is dead.” 

Emma’s head shot up from where it had been resting on the bare and hairy chest of Killian Jones. The most notorious outlaw in three states, or so the Wanted posters would have folks believe. Train robber, bank robber, high-stakes gambler—but only the trains and banks and gambling dens controlled by one particular man. A man in whose side Killian Jones had been an exceptionally troublesome thorn for near to six years. A man whose wife Jones stood accused of murdering. A man who was, it seemed, now dead himself. 

Emma stared down at his face, at the sharp definition of his cheekbones and lines of strain around his eyes. Such heavy burdens he’d been carrying for as long as she’d known him, but now, despite the exhaustion writ plain on his face he seemed lighter. Relieved, in some intangible way. 

“He is?” she gasped. 

“Aye.” Killian nodded, grimly satisfied. “Shot him right through the place where his heart should be. That’s why I was late.” 

“Oh, Killian.” It wouldn’t do to feel happy about a murder, even that of a wicked man, but Emma found that she too was grimly satisfied. “You did it.” 

“Aye, it’s done. And now I have a price on my head so high I’d turn myself in if I could, and special team of bounty hunters hired by Gold’s son to bring me to him, dead or alive.” 

“Oh.” Her fingers flexed on his chest and his tightened where they curled around her hip. “What—what will you do?” 

“Leave the country.” He spoke as though the answer were obvious, and Emma supposed it was. “I’ve no choice.” 

“Will you go back to England?” 

“No. There’s nothing left for me there.” He paused and his hand slid up her back to tangle absently in her hair. “I was thinking South America. Argentina.” 

“Argentina?” 

“Aye. Land’s selling down there for cheap and I’ve enough saved to buy myself a ranch. I’ve never tried ranching before so it’ll probably be an utter failure, but the idea’s crawled into my head and made itself a nest there, so I think that’s what I’ll do.” 

Emma slipped from his arms and out of bed. She could feel his eyes on her as she took her house dress from the wardrobe and wrapped it around herself, as she tied it at her waist with jerky movements. 

“You must be hungry,” she said. 

“I could eat.” 

“Stew?” 

“Perfect.” 

In the front room Emma piled wood on the embers in her stove and coaxed a fire to life beneath the pot of stew she’d left on the hob. She swept the ashes from the fireplace, arranged the logs and the kindling, then struck a flint to light it. She could hear Killian in the bedroom washing and dressing in the spare clothes she kept on hand for him, and by the time she sensed his presence behind her the larger logs were catching nicely and the hearty aroma of stew had begun to waft in from the stove. 

“Shouldn’t be too long before it’s ready,” she told him without turning around. “There’s cornbread too. It’s a few days old, but—” 

“Emma.” 

“—it should still be good if you dunk it in the stew.” 

“Emma, love.” Killian’s voice was soft, full of the tenderness he showed only to her. “Talk to me.” 

“About what?” 

It wasn’t as though she hadn’t known this day would come, this one or another very like it. She understood the dangers of the life he lived, out on the edges of society, pursued by an influential man with a terrible grudge, and she’d done all she could to make her peace with it. Killian could have died any number of times in the three years of their acquaintance; she had always been aware that every time she bid him farewell might be the last. 

And now she knew for certain that it would be. Nothing had changed. 

She heard him pull out one of the dining chairs and sit down in it, and though she kept her back to him she he knew he would be leaning his elbow on the table and running a hand over his face. She could picture the gesture in her mind’s eye with perfect clarity, so often had she seen him do it before, and her heart hurt because she knew he only did this when he was deeply troubled. 

“Emma, you know—you know why I spent so long trying to kill Gold,” he said roughly. 

“For Milah.” Her voice hardly broke on the name. “To avenge her.” 

“Yes. That bastard hunted her like an animal, shot her right in front of me then framed me for the crime, and all because she couldn’t bear to spend another moment as his wife. He took her life rather than allow her to live it free from him, because he couldn’t countenance her finding happiness with another man. And I swore to her as she lay dying that I would make him pay for that.” 

“Because you love her.” 

“I did.” In the silence of the cabin, she could hear the rasp of his scruff against his palm. “I did.” 

Emma had been watching the fire, now dancing merrily in the hearth, and it took a beat or two for his words to register. When they did her heart gave a shuddering thump and she spun round to gape at him. “Did?” she repeated. 

Killian’s lip quirked and humour flared briefly in his eyes before they became solemn again, and heartrendingly soft. “It’s a funny thing, revenge,” he remarked. “It begins as a simple quest for justice but so easily descends into obsession—almost before a man knows what’s come over him, it’s all he’s got left to live for. That’s how it was for me, for years. Until…” 

He trailed off and Emma found she was holding her breath. “Until?” she prompted.

He looked up at her. “Until I met you.” 

She inhaled sharply as their eyes met, his own warm and such a brilliant blue, full of an emotion to which she didn’t dare give a name. “I kept after Gold because of my vow to Milah, yes, but also because I had to, because it was him or me. His life or mine. When that bullet pierced his chest and I saw him fall, I realised that it wasn’t about Milah for me anymore and it hadn’t been, not for a long time. I was fighting for my life, my right to have it and to live it in peace. That’s all I want, just peace and a simple life. And you.” 

“Me?” gasped Emma, blankly and ungrammatically, as she attempted to grasp what he was saying. 

Amusement coloured the tenderness on his face, alongside a hint of exasperation. “Don’t you know, Emma?” he asked with a shake of his head. “Why do you think I kept coming back here?”

She offered a weak smile and an abashed shrug. “My cornbread?” she ventured, and he laughed. 

“I don’t know how to tell you this, darling, but your cornbread is dry. Try again.” 

Emma elected to ignore this ungentlemanly slur on her culinary skills. “Well… I suppose the town is quite secluded, good for hiding out,” she observed.  

“It is that. But that isn’t the reason, love.” 

“Isn’t it?”

“You know it isn’t.” Killian stood and moved towards her, slowly as if she were a baby faun he was apt to startle, or possibly a sleeping mountain lion. “It’s you, Emma Swan,” he said softly. “You are what I will always come back for. You are the reason my soul is hale and unconsumed by hatred. Because it wasn’t revenge I was after, in the end. It was the future I wanted with you.” 

Tears clogged Emma’s throat and pressed insistently behind her eyes. “Killian,” she choked, “I—”

“Shh.” He closed what small distance remained between them and folded her in an embrace to which she clung tightly, face pressed against his shoulder so the soft flannel of his shirt might absorb her tears. “Emma, I know I have next to nothing to offer you.” Killian stroked her hair soothingly as he spoke. “A tenuous existence in an unfamiliar country, backbreaking work that likely won’t pay off, a struggle for everything we have. I shouldn’t ask this of you. I should have the decency to walk away and let you find happiness with a better man than me.” She could hear tears in his voice now, and when she looked up she saw them glistening in his eyes. “But I won’t,” he continued gruffly. “I can’t, because I am a selfish bastard and I love you. I love you so much, Emma.” His voice broke. “So much. And if you could see your way clear to coming to Argentina with me, I would spend every day I have left on this earth working to make you happy.” 

A rush of joy filled Emma Swan then, joy such as she had never known before. Her tears fell freely and unheeded as she tightened her hold on the man she loved and pressed her forehead to his own. In that stance they remained for some considerable time, until Emma became aware that the silence had drawn out far too long and she must speak. There were words he needed to hear from her, crucial words, and yet Miss Emma Swan, despite being quite a competent schoolteacher in all respects including her vocabulary, had always found words failed her when in the grip of strong emotion. 

“Did I ever tell you I grew up on a ranch?” she blurted, then shook her head. That wasn’t what she’d wished to say.

Killian’s brow wrinkled. “You’ve mentioned it.” 

“My daddy’s place out near Casper,” Emma pressed on. “A thousand acres of cattle, mostly, and some horses.” 

“It sounds nice.” 

“It was.” She snuffled and shifted until her head was resting on his shoulder and she felt cradled in his arms. This wasn’t the speech she’d planned but now she found herself determined to give it. “I was his only child, his only family after my mama died, and he reared me all my life to take over from him,” she continued. “But then when I was nineteen he got married again, and had a son. And suddenly ranching was ‘no job for a woman,’ or so he said, and I should look into teaching instead. Or better still get married and become some man’s pretty possession. Preferably the son of a neighbouring rancher, ‘for the future of our family’s land and legacy’.” She paused, remembering, and rubbed her cheek against his shirt. “I told him to go fuck himself.” 

Killian’s laugh rumbled through the both of them. “That’s my tough lass,” he said, with a pride in his voice that warmed her, and made her desperate. 

“But you do know what I’m saying, don’t you Killian?” she persisted. “You hear what I’m telling you?” 

“What I hear is that in addition to being beautiful and brilliant and tough as old boots, you also know how to run a ranch. Which would be bloody useful I must admit, as I haven’t got the first faint clue where to start. Is that what you wanted me to understand?” 

She nodded in relief. “That’s it.”

He brushed the hair back from her face with fingers gentle as the wing of a butterfly. “And is that... all you have to say?”

She felt caught in his eyes, and like to drown in them. “There may be one more thing.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It’s that I—I—” Emma drew a steadying breath. “I love you too, Killian, and of course I’ll go to Argentina with you.” A smile broke across his face, that rare and brilliant smile of his that set her heart to soaring and broke the dam that held her words in check. “I’d go anywhere with you,” she declared, laughing as he squeezed her tight. “To the moon. To hell itself, and then back out again.” 

“Let’s hope that won’t be necessary.” 

He leaned down to her and she swayed up to him and their lips met in a kiss that sang of love and of hope and of a most solemn promise, if something of a dramatic one. He dipped her back and kissed her until she was dizzy and overcome with laughter, and then swung her up again and into a dance. 

Emma put her head on his shoulder and leaned into him as they danced to music they alone could hear, all around the cabin with the aroma of stew in the air and hope for the future in their hearts. 

-

The disappearance of Miss Emma Swan, schoolteacher and respected resident, shook the town of Haven, Wyoming as nothing had before. Even the escape and subsequent stampede down Main Street of Mr Murchison’s pigs had caused less consternation, since, as the residents all agreed, for that at least there was an explanation. A rusty gate hinge, investigation later revealed, had been the culprit behind the Spectacular Pig Hullabaloo of 1893, whereas Miss Swan had simply vanished, with no explanation given or obvious method of egress. She owned no horse and had not boarded the stage; no one matching her description had been observed at the train station in Casper or anywhere else that a woman alone on foot might reasonably have been expected to turn up. She had taken nothing with her save some clothes and a few books and left nothing behind but a brief letter hastily scrawled on a scrap of paper—her resignation from her position as schoolteacher effective immediately, and a recommendation for her replacement. 

Haven residents were thoroughly baffled, and for many months afterwards the Fantastical Vanishing of Miss Emma Swan was the number one topic of conversation amongst them. Theories were dismantled nearly as quickly as they had been constructed, replaced by newer and ever more fanciful speculations, and each resident had his or her own pet notion as to how and why the trick was done. Rarely had they felt so stimulated or enjoyed themselves so thoroughly, however time, as it inevitably does, soon began quite noticeably to pass, and the town’s attention moved on to other happenings. For although new events in such a quiet place may never again be as deliciously sensational as the mystery of the vanished schoolmarm, they do possess the not insignificant advantage of being new.  

And thus Emma Swan passed into Haven legend. 

Some years later, on the eve of her wedding, Miss Mary Margaret Blanchard—soon to be Mrs David Nolan—sat at the very table where Miss Swan’s letter had been left and composed a letter of her own, to an old friend she’d first met at the State Normal School of Colorado. In her letter Miss Blanchard informed her friend of the imminent blessed day and thanked her for the recommendation that had not only brought Miss Blanchard many years of enjoyable work as schoolteacher to Haven’s children but also led, in that roundabout way life sometimes takes, to her current state of blissful happiness. 

This letter travelled by mail coach from the Haven general store—where Miss Blanchard posted it to the care of a P.O. Box in San Francisco—to the main post office in Casper. From there it went via train to Cheyenne, where it was loaded onto the mail car of the Union Pacific Railway and thence made its journey to the west coast. In San Francisco its fortunes underwent a curious change, for it was redirected by a clerk there, in accordance with instructions, and placed back on the Union Pacific, headed this time for Denver. From Denver it voyaged onwards to Kansas City, then Chicago, and finally to New York, where it abandoned train travel forever in favour of a steam ship bound for Buenos Aires. 

Upon arrival at port it was placed in the charge of a courier who carried it along with a scant handful of others over the rough roads of the Argentinian coast to Puerto Santa Cruz and then inland, where it finally, many months after its departure, came to rest at a tiny, dusty outpost in southern Patagonia. And it was from this inauspicious locale that the letter was collected, at long last, by its intended recipient—a woman none of the residents of Haven nor indeed the erstwhile Miss Blanchard herself would be likely to recognise as Emma Swan. 

The clothes she wore were utilitarian in design and plain in colour, liberally coated in fine brown dust. Her pale hair hung loose and wavy down her back, and her face beneath her wide-brimmed hat was tanned and marked around the eyes with the fine lines characteristic of those who spend a good deal of time squinting into bright sunlight. But these were superficial changes. The woman who collected the well-travelled letter and rode with it back to her ranch, who sat at the table in her kitchen and read it with a wide smile and sincere pleasure at the news from her friend—this woman was happy, as Emma Swan had surely never been. It was a happiness born of deep contentment and the satisfaction of a life lived on one’s own terms. And it was the happiness of a woman who is loved. 

Emma was reading the letter a fourth time when the sound of boots on the porch alerted her to Killian’s arrival; she looked up just as he came through the door with a smile on her lips the like of which neither Mrs Nolan nor any other in Haven could ever imagine her smiling. 

Killian hung his hat on a hook and met its brilliance with a smile of his own. “What are you thinking about, love, that has you so radiant?” he inquired. 

“A letter from Mary Margaret.” Emma indicated the sheet of paper in her hand. “She’s getting married. Is married now, I suppose.” 

“To a fellow worthy of her, I hope?” 

“A rancher, but not one of the arrogant ones,” Emma replied. “I think he is. Worthy of her, I mean. I think they’ll be happy.” 

“That’s good news indeed.” 

“It is.” She set the letter aside and went over to him, tucked her head beneath his chin as he enfolded her in his arms. “But that’s not why I’m radiant, as you say.” 

“I say it only because it’s true, darling.” 

“It’s because I’m happy,” said Emma softly. She nuzzled her nose against his neck; he smelled of sweat and dust and horses. “For Mary Margaret, of course, but also for me. It struck me just now, reading her letter, how happy I am. I’m so happy, Killian.” 

His arms around her tightened and she felt him stroke her hair, and when he spoke his voice was gruff. “No regrets then, about abandoning everything you’ve ever known to live out your days on the lam with me?” 

“Nope.” Emma pulled back just enough to look up at him, to caress his cheek with her fingertips and press her forehead to his. “No regrets at all.” 

-

Historical Note: Emma in this fic is based loosely on a woman named Etta Place. Very little is known about her, but she is thought to have been romantically involved with Harry Longabaugh, a.k.a. the Sundance Kid, and to have accompanied him and Butch Cassidy to South America. However, verifiable details about her are scarce—even her real name is uncertain—and only one photograph of her remains. Some believe she may have been a prostitute but in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid the writer chose to make her a teacher instead, and honestly I have always found that such a compelling tale. A “proper” schoolteacher having a secret affair with an outlaw, then running away with him to another continent? The romance, am I right? 

And thus the inspiration for this story. 

-

@ohmightydevviepuu​ @thisonesatellite​ @katie-dub​ @kmomof4​ @killianjones-twopointoh​ @mariakov81​ @stahlop​ @optomisticgirl​ @spartanguard​ @shireness-says​ @snowbellewells​ 

[roger-that-cap]

meet me in the gardens

summary: being the widow of a decently wealthy lord and sitting on a large plot of land automatically meant that you were a candidate for the program that you couldn’t say no to; the hosting. you had to sponsor a knight and keep them in your home for an entire year, which was troublesome enough on its own. but you never expected your knight to be a woman, and you certainly didn’t expect to have a full on illegal love affair with her, either.

knight!natasha x lady!reader

sort of royalty au (there’s social hierarchy and a king and queen and knights and commoners and all that so- yeah it’s a royalty au nvm lmao)

warnings: this is fluff, angst, uh, basically everything but smut and serious angst.

word count: 2.5k, starting off short before we get into this 

part one!

also, to the very few people who look for fics up here- i promise i’m alive, sorry for being m.i.a! work and school are bodying me right now 

A lot could change within a year.

In a year, one was expected to grow wiser and older, and for you, because you were a woman, prettier. And because you did all three of those things in one year, you were herded off like cattle from your small farm, where the old pig you would soon be forced to call “husband” had seen you in the first place, and carted away to his large estate. You were supposed to be his wife, bear his children, and love him unconditionally even though you knew nothing about him, and he was supposed to do not even half of that for you. He had chosen you purely because your father had an abundance of wheat and animals, and he thought you were nice looking. He would surely never go hungry if he had the owner of a relatively large farm’s daughter with him.

Regardless of his reasoning for wanting to make you his wife, it ended up happening. You cried yourself to sleep the night before, and when you were done consummating the horrid marriage, you cried after he fell asleep, unable to shut your own eyes. That was how you spent your first night at the female counterpart to your lord husband, and as Lady Mirellis.

The marriage was loveless. The only thing you got out of it was a nice roof over your head and some silky clothing that made you feel like you were betraying who you really were. He was a brute and a pig, and he hardly ever spoke to you other than to tell you to get on your back, your knees, or something else as equally vile. You were the lady of his large manor, considered a small castle, but that was all you were. You made friends with the staff around, and that made things just the tiniest bit better. He was still cruel and crude, still insanely aggravating, and getting more and more angry with each month that you weren’t carrying his child.

And then, all of a sudden, he grew ill. And, within a month after he fell ill, he died. And then you were a single woman who had a large estate to her name, and a growing line of suitors who wanted nothing more than to have their last names attached to the great patch of land. You were the lady of the house without a lord, still young and still capable of marriage. After a large fuss over whether or not a young woman from your background was fit to take over, you had inherited everything.

So, yes, a lot could change in a year. And you decided that the changes that took place in that year were ones that you could barely handle.

§§

You knew exactly what the letter with the King’s Seal on it was when it was put into your hand, and you very easily guessed the contents of it.

You supposed that you should have seen it coming. Miraculously, your late husband and lord had gotten out of the Hosting, which could have been seen as treasonous or dishonorable if he had been any less careful. You grew up on a farm, and you had no idea how to go about denying or questioning royal decree, so you weren’t going to. You were going to have to Host, for the first time in your life.

Your family was never important enough to have to do it, so you had no experience with it, other than knowing that a high up lord of a small castle, or big estate, whatever one wanted to call it, was in charge of having a knight in their home while the knight completed his year long training. The training was said to come from within, and the job of the knight was to be a good, honorable guest, and to come back to the castle after their year expired as a new and improved person.

But it was rare that they truly soul searched, you had heard. Mainly because they were ninety nine percent male and thought with their penises more than their brains and hearts. The Hosting was a knight’s last stop before true knighthood, more or less a time that humbled young knights. It was a test of the true intentions of a knight, the true desires of a man who wished for glory and authority.

“For you, Milady.” You grimaced inwardly at the title, the title that you used to have to call the lady that you used to bring barrels of hay to on Sunday mornings. You nodded at the young boy, a smile on your face. He was new, and it was clear that this was his first task that involved him to speak to a “higher up” person.

You patted his head. “Thank you,” you said, and his eyes widened comically before he laughed and ran away, obviously shocked by the way you spoke to him back.

It wasn’t against the law, but it was frowned upon for nobles to speak to servants more than necessary. A noble person was not required to have manners or ask kindly for things, and when they did, it was certainly an out of the ordinary experience. You knew that well enough.

You broke the red seal and took in a deep breath, going to sit at your late husband’s desk (that you of course inherited, as you inherited everything the man had) and finding your name in perfect and Royal handwriting.

Lady Mirellis,

As you know, the time for the selection of The Hosting has come. Your house was not a host during the previous Hosting, therefore, you will be required to sponsor a knight this year. Out of respect for your late husband and all he has done for me, I will choose a knight for you, a knight that I trust. You will be safe with my choice, and the year will flow smoothly. Once again, I am sorry for your loss.

Please expect your knight within the fortnight, Lady Mirellis.

With respect, King Anthony Stark.

§§

Two weeks later, your keep was buzzing. You hated hosting things, even if they were short dinners. And you knew that you were going to hate hosting a person for an entire year. A brand new knight who was full of himself, no less.

King Anthony had given you what he thought was going to be an easy charge for a reason. New knights were known for being rowdy, disgusting, perverted, and authoritative when they shouldn’t have been. No lady should ever have to deal with the crude words or behavior of a man—certainly not. And with you and your poor husband gone, that meant that no one was there to help you.

You appreciated the kindness, but it was obvious that every man thought that women were only an extension of their husbands. If you weren’t able to handle the loud voices and taunting shouts of men and boys, you would have melted or turned to dust by the time you were thirteen years old. If you had survived a man who carted you off and away from your family like you were cattle, you could handle a boy who was staying under your roof.

Nonetheless, your people were busy, and so were you. They were making accommodations to the largest guest room, because it was to be someone’s for an entire year. They were cleaning things that you never thought would be cleaned, washing random sheets and hanging them to dry. And you? You were making the welcoming package.

You had never made one before, but you were trying your hardest. It was more or less a care package to make the knight feel comfortable. It was a starter kit, so that they wouldn’t have to ask for much or seem unfit for knighthood, because it was all about pride. So help anyone above, you wouldn’t be dealing with a knight with a bruised ego.

“Men,” you scoffed out, rolling your eyes as you fluffed the silk pillowcase and folded the top of the woven basket over, closing in everything and tying the top with a bow. 

“Y/N,” a woman’s voice called out, and you turned to it with a gentle smile.

Of course it was Wanda. Her and her brother were always by your side, ever since you had arrived at the keep. Pietro was the messenger boy for Lord Mirellis, because he was so fast on his feet. He delivered a message meant to go hundreds of leagues away and came back within days, when it would take others weeks. You liked Pietro a lot. He was a funny man, cheeky, but he knew his boundaries with people, whether they were lowborn or highborn. He had the same amount of respect for everything, and you admired that about him.

Wanda however, was your favorite person in the castle. She was the first kind face that you saw when you walked into the keep. She was the first person to actually ask you if you wanted help being dressed or brushing your hair. She was able to see that you needed help with your corset before you even asked. There were so many trivial things that Wanda did for you that made you so loyal to the friendship you shared, but there was one thing you were sure to never forget.

She had been the one to help you out of bed after a rough consummation night. She was also the only woman who had offered you even a sliver of sympathy, and for that, she was your greatest ally, and on a deeper level, a true friend. 

You had barely even seen her for more than five minutes before you woke up in bed by yourself the morning after that horrid night, crying silent tears and feeling sore between your legs. A knock sounded on the door, and instead of her turning away and apologizing for coming in on such an improper moment, she shut the door and asked you if you needed help, without any fear of being scolded. Wanda Maximoff was different. That’s why you liked her so much.

She was standing beside you as you waited, even though waiting for a knight was somewhat improper. You were supposed to wait inside and have them knock on your castle door, and you were to welcome them inside and have a warm dinner ready. That was how it was always supposed to go, but you decided not to do that.

You were standing outside, like the lady you had been forced to become. Your chin was slightly lifted and your hands were at your sides, even though you were desperate to fiddle with your thumbs. You took in a deep breath as you heard the sound of a carriage coming, horses and the chatter of men getting louder with each passing moment.

You would be a liar if you said that you weren’t scared to have a man in your house that you didn’t know. Not only would he be a man, but he would be a man that knew how to do things that most didn’t, such as how to properly wield a sword. You were a woman alone, a widow to a lord, and people had tried things with you before, ever since your husband had died. Most of the time, those things ended up with their hands being cut off as the legal and unyielding punishment for their attempted crimes.

“No one here is going to let a stupid knight hurt you, you know.” Pietro had come out of nowhere, chest puffed out as he looked to his sister for a moment, and then back at you. “Wanda is practically with you every second of every day, and I’m never too far.” It was true. There were guards around, as well, but you were still scared.

“If you don’t like it this year, you can always say no next year.” Wanda offered, but you whined under your breath when you remembered that this was no visit. The man would be living with you for an entire year. “And King Anthony said he would be giving you a man he trusted to sleep under your roof. I trust his word.” 

“As do I,” you said quickly, ringing out your hands one last time before the carriage got closer. “I’ll be fine, you two. Thank you.” And they knew just how grateful you were for them.

The carriage was being pulled by two white horses, both looking around carelessly and cluelessly as the coachman pulled them to a stop. “Lady Mirellis,” he said, looking you up and down, clearly judging you for not yielding to tradition. “It is very kind of you to meet us outside.”

“I thought it may be easier to begin the tour early,” you said, remembering at the last moment to school your voice into sounding ladylike. The stark difference between your public voice and the one that you spoke to Wanda and Pietro with always made Wanda smile a bit, and you knew that you would have laughed if you were looking at her. “I don’t want to give my new guest too large of a culture shock. I am not quite sure if he would appreciate being hoarded inside a place he hasn’t seen before.”

The coachman gave you an odd look, almost like he wasn’t understanding what you were saying. Or maybe, why you were saying it. But, he knew that because of your status, your word outweighed his, and he would do as you said. Your heart was beating nearly out of your chest as you watched him climb out of his chair and walk around, and you saw his hand wrap around the handle of the white and gold carriage.

There was a flash of brilliant red. That was all you saw at first, and then you saw shiny armor, glinting in the sun. Your eyes trailed up from the shoes that you knew were crafted specifically for knights, up to the legs and then to the breastplate, which you noticed was curved outwards. Your brows furrowed as your eyes got stuck in that place, and you willed yourself to believe that it was a trick of the eyes. There was a pinch on your arm, and you realized that you had been staring without speaking for much too long. In your embarrassment, your eyes flickered up to meet the man’s, and then, you nearly choked.

The knight was no man at all.

*****

so this is a series! this idea has been cooking up in my head for a while now, and i figured it was finally time to go through with it! i’m really excited about this one, and i’ve already got most of it planned out. i hope you guys liked this!

also- if you would like to be tagged, you are free to ask! (bold of me to assume that any of y’all want a notif for this bye 😭) please interact with this if you liked it, it makes me so happy and motivated to hear from you guys!

[robininthelabyrinth]

MDZS prompt: Maybe Lan Wanji realising his feelings before the war and hesitantly trying to court Wei Wuxian while he is a student? Or non-war AU where Lan Wanji chooses to marry into Jiang Sect rather than see Wei Wuxian struggle under Lan way of life only to find he really likes being a Jiang (maybe gets on well with in-laws)

It was Madame Yu that came to find out what the fight was about, of course.

Her husband was still injured from the fight against Wen Ruohan some years back, the one that had won the Nie sect so much acclaim and which to this day made Sect Leader Jin’s teeth grit and his blood boil, and he rarely travelled far any more. No one was entirely sure why this change had led to Madame Yu’s abrupt improvement in temper; perhaps it was that he was unlikely to have more children, or perhaps her worries had finally been appeased by his formal announcement that he would start the slow process of handing over the tasks of Sect Leader to Jiang Cheng when he came fully of age.

The changes hadn’t made much of a difference to Wei Wuxian’s life before, since Madame Yu hadn’t had a radical personality transplant, still being harsh and vicious, but he had to admit that it was extremely pleasant to see her make mincemeat of Sect Leader Jin using nothing but her sharp tongue.

She even threatened to revoke the engagement, which everyone knew she wouldn’t do – well, everyone but Sect Leader Jin, that was. Either way, he put on such a disgraceful appearance that Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng had ended up sympathizing with Jin Zixuan for the first time in their lives, and somehow when the punishment that had been imposed on all three of them was over they were maybe even something resembling friends that only mildly hated each other.

Madame Yu had decided to stay at the Cloud Recesses for the duration of the punishment, for reasons known only to her, and it was her that raised the topic over dinner one evening.

“You need to stop playing with that boy’s heart,” she said, drinking her soup with grace and only a slight wrinkling of the nose over the fact that it was, yet again, vegetarian.

Jiang Cheng looked at Wei Wuxian and Wei Wuxian looked at Jiang Cheng and neither of them saw Jiang Yanli anywhere around – her being back at the Lotus Pier, that was reasonable – so they both looked in askance at Madame Yu.

“Wei Wuxian,” she clarified. “You’ve been playing courting games with the Second Young Master Lan for weeks under my very nose; do you think I haven’t noticed?”

Wei Wuxian gaped. “Courting games? With – Lan Zhan? That’s impossible. I don’t cut my sleeve.”

“You should let him know that, then,” she said. “He’s already completed seven of the twelve courtship rites the Lans require before a proposal of marriage.”

“Are you sure?” Jiang Cheng asked, a little doubtful. “I thought he hated Wei Wuxian.”

“Hatred and affection can often look very similar to the untrained eye,” Madame Yu said. “Well, Wei Wuxian? What are you going to do about it?”

“I – I…”

“He’ll tell him tomorrow, of course,” Jiang Cheng said. “What else would he do?”

“I need to think about it,” Wei Wuxian said, and dashed out of the house they’d all been occupying.

Madame Yu smiled into her cup of tea. “Jinzhu, go tell Lan Qiren that I’d like to speak with him tomorrow afternoon,” she said to her maidservant. “And tell him that this may be something that requires Qingheng-jun’s approval.”

“What do you need Sect Leader Lan’s approval for?” Jiang Cheng asked, blinking as the maidservant headed out.

“Settling the terms of the marriage, of course.”

“Marriage? But Wei Wuxian isn’t going to –”

Madame Yu left the Cloud Recesses for the Lotus Pier with her son and eldest disciple in tow three days later, marriage contract in hand and a smug expression on her face.

-

The Lotus Pier was very different from the Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji still habitually rose every morning at the prescribed hour and went to bed at the same, but unlike the quiet serenity of Gusu, the people of Yunmeng were always active, day or night.

There was a market at every hour: the morning fish-market, full of bickering fishwives and rowdy fishermen that all knew Lan Wangji by sight and called out to him; the midday mixed market, full of every type of ware imaginable from artisan crafts to flowers to clothing to fruit to food; and even after the afternoon rest period ended it was only the start of setting up for the night market, as much Wei Wuxian’s domain as the morning market was Lan Wangji’s.

They went together, sometimes.

Wei Wuxian would yawn and complain at first, wrinkling his nose at the smell of raw fish, but he’d marvel over the sunrise and make fast friends with everyone he met, making silly expressions as he tried new types of food minutes after the ingredients had been pulled out of the waves.

For his part, Lan Wangji would indulgently hold all the things Wei Wuxian bought in the night market. It was usually food: sticks of tanghulu, skewers of grilled seafood, cheese broiled lobsters and spicy rice-cakes. Sometimes it was clothing, usually gifts; other times it was just knick-knacks that nobody needed but which Wei Wuxian simply had to have and usually gave away a few moments later.

At other times, they went to the lotus ponds, where Wei Wuxian taught him how to eat fresh-picked lotus seeds and tried to teach him how to run away when the owners came yelling (Lan Wangji refused to run and paid more in silver for the seeds they’d taken than the entire pond was worth); they went to the restaurants, where Lan Wangji ate food that burned his mouth and made his eyes fill with tears that Wei Wuxian would wipe away with his fingers, feeding him white rice and promising him he’d adjust soon enough; they walked along the river in the light of the sunset, hand in hand, saying nothing at all.

At least one day a week, Wei Wuxian would insist on taking Lan Wangji somewhere new, to see or do something he hadn’t done yet; it was as if he were anxious to show him everything there was to see about Yunmeng before their six months were up, before they went back to Gusu for the six months of the year that they would spend there, no matter how many times Madame Yu impatiently reminded him that there was no need to rush.

No need to rush at all: after all, they were married, now. They had the rest of their lives to show each other everything they wanted.

And yet – Lan Wangji understood a little of that urgency. He spent entire afternoons writing lists of things in Gusu he would show Wei Wuxian when they went back there: the secret springs, the gardens, the grove he’d pretended to tend when he was just a child. He’d take him to the fruit orchard and feed him plums and cherries plucked straight from the trees, see the red smeared over his smiling mouth and use his own to kiss it clean.

He’d take him to the place where they kept his mother’s memorial tablet, and they would kneel in front of it together again, the way they had at his wedding, and this time Lan Wangji would tell him the story of what happened with her, the hidden tragedy of it, and he’d promise him that he’d never permit the same.

But that would all come later: for now, they were at the Lotus Pier.

Things were happy at the Lotus Pier: Jiang Fengmian, who no longer rose from his chair, looked at his wife with some puzzled awe in his eyes, and she reveled in it as their children watched them with great relief.  Jiang Yanli was kind and a little mischievous, Jiang Cheng was kind and not mischievous at all, and Wei Wuxian – was Wei Wuxian.

They were together all the time.

Lan Wangji was happy.

[asset35-maya]

Prompt no. 18 from this list

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”

“Sorry, just give me a minute, babe. I need to recalibrate the interface I’m using…”

Gavin’s voice trailed off. The only sound in the room was from the clacking of his keyboard, his fingers flying across the keys.

Nines tried his best to take his mind off his situation. Immobile in bed… with the very real possibility that it could be permanent.

It was a just a software update… just another afternoon nap… but now he had no idea whether he’d ever move again.

Noticing his stress levels spiking, he focused on Gavin. The crease of his brows… the old scar across his nose… the determined set of his jaw as he scrubbed through lines and lines of code to find the root of the problem.

Gavin.

Lover. Friend. Saviour.

The man he depended on for everything, including his continued existence.

Nines silently thanked whichever force of nature had brought him into the safety and sanctity of Gavin’s embrace. RA9 or God or the laws of physics that dictated where atoms would end up from the beginning of time.

Not all androids were as lucky as he was.

After the Revolution, the digital giant known as Cyberlife had been dissolved under political pressure from New Jericho and its vehement supporters. Android production ceased, Cyberlife’s assets were stripped and its R&D departments were spun off into smaller, more benign companies.

People were elated in the beginning… and then they realised there was no one around to maintain and service the androids that now comprised 30% of American citizenry. Private technicians had booming business, but they were eventually overwhelmed.

The worst of it was the software.

The patches, the bug fixes, the security.

No single company was able to do it by themselves and individuals realised they were pretty much on their own. Human husbands and wives and girlfriends and brothers and pretty much everyone scrambled to learn how to take care of beloved androids on their own.

Gavin was one of the most capable ones. He knew how to do most of the mechanical work and quickly taught himself the software and systems elements. When Nines asked him how he was so proficient… whether he learnt any of it in college… he wouldn’t respond directly. The closest Nines had gotten to an answer was a grumbled “s what happens when you share a room for fifteen years with the nerdy prick that started all this trouble in the first place”

It was initially tough on the both of them… and expensive… as they figured out how to do things by trial… but Gavin was confident and adamant that he wouldn’t let Nines down. He quickly reached a steady state, even managing to get a maintenance routine in place.

But he couldn’t be perfect.

And there were things he couldn’t control.

Androids were the most complicated cyberphysical systems on the planet. Anything and everything could go wrong at any time…

And it had… during a major OS update.

“Babe, can you hear me?”

Nines’ LED cycled yellow once and went back to red.

Gavin held one of the limp hands in his own.

“Can you feel this?”

The LED spun again.

“Great. And I’m pretty sure you can see me, I know that look in your eyes, babydoll. Hmm… okay, that means all the sensors and IOT device connections are fineee…”

The musing continued as Gavin set aside the laptop and scooted closer to Nines. A gentle hand came up to tilt the android’s face from side to side.

“But you can’t talk…”

“AAAAAAAAAA”

“Wow. Never make that noise in the bedroom again. Hmm… Okay, this means your vocal chords are fine but you can’t move your mouth. Huh.. well… you can’t seem to move anything… not that different from your usual participation levels in bed then. Not to worry.”

The only thing Nines could do was glare and Gavin seemed relieved that even that was possible. He patted the android’s cheek.

“I’ll check your motor actuation and control. Simple modules. I should be able to see anything strange right away.”

Gavin resumed scrolling through the chunks of code and running searches for common errors. But minutes passed… and turned into an hour… and the hour, doubled, tripled.

But Gavin was undeterred. He had to be. Giving up was not an option. Plus, years of being a dedicated police officer had wiped out any fears of hard work and failure… he would scroll all night if it came to that.

A notification popped up on the screen.

RK900 #313 248 317 - 87: Sweetheart, you’ve been trying for hours. Take a break.

Gavin turned to his side. Nines could detect the worry and agitation behind the facade of lighthearted calm.

“I know right. It’s not fair. You’ve been chilling this whole time I’ve been working. Tsk tsk.”

RK900 #313 248 317 - 87: I’m serious, Gavin. Stop. Take a break for today. Call someone. You can try again tomorrow morning.

“Nines, you’re not a work assignment. I can’t take a break from you. You can get up and close this laptop for me.”

A few more hours passed. Frowning, Gavin climbed under the covers with Nines and began troubleshooting and testing all other modules too. It was a massive undertaking, but he’d be damned if he didn’t do it.

RK900 #313 248 317 - 87: Know when to give up on a lost cause.

It was nearly two in the morning when that message popped up. Gavin’s eyes were red from all the screen time, but his fighting spirit had not flagged. If anything, he felt close to the finish line. Having gone through nearly the entirety of his lover’s system architecture, there were only a few stones left unturned. He’d identify the problem, win half the battle and then the solution would flow from there. It always did. They’d be fine.

He turned to tell Nines precisely that and balked at the tears staining the android’s perfect face.

“Hey…”

Gavin leaned over his partner and wiped the tears away.

“Hey… shhh… don’t… don’t worry, I’ll take care of you…”

RK900 #313 248 317 - 87: I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I’m putting you through all this. Things can’t go on like this. I’m such a liability. Emotionally, physically, financially! You can’t keep doing this for me, Gavin.

Gavin placed the laptop on the bedside table and slipped deeper under the covers, wrapping himself around Nines’ still form.

“It’s a good thing you can’t speak right now, cause you’re talking some major bullshit, baby. You are going to be FINE. I will take care of you, like always, like I promised.

You are not a liability. You are my man. I signed up for this. If you were human and sick and I dunno, needed a kidney or something, I’d simply give it to you. You and I are bound like that. For life.

So quit bitching, let me do my thing, and when you’re back… you know how to thank me.”

He smiled genuinely as he said that, stroking the android’s skin and trying to calm him down. When the speed of the LED cycles came down and the colour stabilised at a warm amber, Gavin kissed the frozen lips and gave Nines one last cuddle before returning to his computer.

Sunrise began to streak across the dark sky by the time the critical error was identified. Gavin sighed deeply as he pulled up the faulty synchronisation that had jammed the hundreds of motors and drives throughout Nines’ body.

There was actually nothing much to be said for the root cause of the failed execution loop. Just improper methods written for some of the new hardware they had installed the previous week.

That’s what they got for using uncertified biocomponents and unlicensed third party software bought off the seedier parts of the internet. Some incompatibility somewhere would inevitably trip them up. Gavin was usually able to see such trouble before it found them… but even he couldn’t be perfect.

He stretched and cracked his spine and wiggled his fingers before plunging into rewriting the problematic section. He would sleep like a log after this… but first, he had to sprint to the finish line.

And he did.

At 7AM, Gavin finally copied the clean code into the compiler and hit execute. After a brief reinitialisation, Nines blinked awake. He raised his hands tentatively. As soon as he realised full functionality had been restored, he sat up and threw himself at Gavin, smothering the exhausted human in a giant hug.

Gavin hugged back, fighting to keep his emotions at bay.

“All… all good?”

“You saved my life. Again.”

“I’ll do it a thousand times more if I need to.”

“I thought I was done for.”

“Don’t be dramatic. It was just some bad code.”

“I could have been stuck like that forever. Never moving, never talking. Just lying there till my charge drains out. That could have been the end for us, and frankly, I was prepared for that eventuality. You should be too.”

“Never.”

“I don’t doubt your abilities, sweetheart, but we are painfully limited by our resources. There’s things in this world that only Cyberlife can do and they’re never coming back. We have to make our peace with that. Pulling all-nighters just to keep me alive… it’s not sustainable.”

“Hey it’s not like this happens all the time, Nines. I get that this was really scary, but it’s not always like this… so please don’t tell me whether things are sustainable. I will always fight for you. End of discussion.”

Nines didn’t respond and just rested his head on Gavin’s shoulder. His steel blue eyes were fixed on the pair of birds fluttering outside their bedroom window. They sat intertwined like that on the bed for a while. Now that he could, Nines didn’t seem to want to stop holding his partner. The birds landed on the window sill, chirping away and enjoying the morning breeze.

“They’re really quite sweet, aren’t they? The two of them are always here in the morning. I should build them a little bath in our garden.”

“They’re mates.”

“Huh. Just like us.”

“You know… it’s just a myth, what they say… that birds die when their mates do.”

“What?”

“Most species will go through a grieving period, but after that they will begin courtship again.”

“What the phck are you on about? No one’s dying and no one’s beginning courtship again. Nines, I’d move heaven and earth before anything like that happens.

Besides, if I really, really couldn’t get your body to work, worst case scenario, I’d just transfer you to a mobile device. Carry you around like a voice in my head… like my conscience… I promise you that nothing can keep us apart.”

It wasn’t all that easy to convince Nines, and Gavin wasn’t about to try. It had been an ordeal for the both of them. It wasn’t the first time, and it might not be the last. But for the time being, they had emerged, and they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

Yawning, Gavin lay back among the mussed sheets and pulled Nines with him. Birdsong and the muted whir of thirium pump compressions lulled him into a dreamless sleep.

[ushiwakaout]

Can I ask Groom! Osamu miya x Bride! Reader fluff where it basically covers they're wedding? 🥰💞

yes 😭 i love wedding stuff

ima do nsfw under the cut bc freaky wedding shit is hot 💀

warnings: nsfw under the cut || 18+

keeping the tradition of not seeing the bride a day before/ day of the wedding, Osamu is really missing you because for the past 5 years y’all see each other every single day, every morning and every night prior.

so he call you and he’s drunk but he’s also crying

“baby, i can’t sleep, i want to see you but i don’t want any bad luck because i love you too much to lose you.”

he’s a big cry baby for sure when he’s drunk

Osamu makes Atsumu check up on you bc he knows you miss him a lot and Atsumu is his twin obviously

you: “Atsumu, what are you doing here?”

atsumu: “Lover boy made me check up on you, don’t fall in love with me now.”

you: “there’s a reason why i chose Osamu over you Atsumu... even if you look exactly alike.”

atsumu: “don’t be fucking rude sister in law.”

You’d probably have to kick atsumu out bc he just reminds u of osamu too much and u can’t hug or kiss him so you’re just moody

You go to sleep early bc you just want it to be your wedding day already

But the day of your wearing, you are really jittery and scared because you just want to see Osamu already. And thank god both of you decided to do a reveal beforehand. “Are you nervous?” Atsumu asked his twin. He chuckled and shook his head, his eyes covered by a black cloth “Of course I am. I’m marrying my soulmate, what do you think?” Atsumu shed a fake tear, “I thought I was your soulmate.” The bumped shoulders and shared a laugh. “She’s coming.” The brother noted as you where coming out of the hall and into the garden where Osamu was waiting for you. Atsumu helped his brother take your hand and patted his shoulder, “Hey hubby.” You chuckled, tighining your grip on his hands. “Can i look you you now?” He let out a nerveous laugh, acting a little jumpy. “I mean... if you want.” you joked as he took off his blindfold. He groaned the second he looked at you, “You gotta be shitting me.... You look so fucking beautiful.” He cupped your cheeks and touched foreheads, “You are so fucking gorgeous, how did i get so lucky.” Osamu let out a sniffle. “No, don’t cry!!! You’re gonna make me cry!”

“How can i not cry!!! I’m getting married to my soulmate, and you look so fucking radiant... And i love you- so, so much.”

“Osamu, shut up, i don’t wanna cry.” Too late, you’re already crying and your makeup artist is quit to fix your makeup.

When walking down the isle, Osamu begins to tear up again. Atsumu is patting him on the back and i don’t think he could ever choose someone better for his baby brother.

And when it was time to kiss the bride, his former teammates and friends whistles and howled as he dipped you down under him.

While walking together down the isle, his grip tightened on your hand as he pulled you ear to his lips. “I guess you’re my wife now.” He made you chuckle, “I guess i am.”

At the venue, food from Onigiri Miya was served and other assortments. But as much as it was Osamu and your wedding, the best man (Atsumu ofc) had to stand and make a toast.

“Hello, hello. As all of you should know, i am Miya Atsumu, the older brother-”

“We’re twins.” “You’re twins!” Both you and Osamu yelled

The blonde twin rolled his eyes, “Well one of us popped out first, right? That was me, the more sexy, handsome and talented brother.... Anyways, let me start over. My brother ‘Samu is probably the luckiest man alive to have married such a wonderful girl. Y/n thank you for somehow falling in love with my brother and making him so utterly happy that it’s disgusting to be around him because all he talks about is you- his wife... His new soulmate- because like it or not, that was me at some point.” A bundle of laughter erode in the crowd of family and friends. “And dear brother,

The two of you looked at each other and laughed, shoving each others shoulders before raising a glass.

You ate, danced with your parents and noticed that Osamu wasn’t anywhere near. “Can i have all of you attention please.” You turned around to see your husband, standing with a mic in hand, his tie lose and a hand in his pocket. “Uh- Hi.... God i still get really nerveous looking at you.” He said, locking eyes with you. “Do you mid sitting down? Can someone get my, uh- my wife a chair please.” Atsumu came rushing with an extra chair and put the seat behind your knees and patted your head carefully not to ruin your hair. “Okay. How do I start this. Y/n, i love you. And i think i’ve always had. From the day you transfer to Yako Junior High, I still remember the way you kept giggling while trying to introduce yourself and i fell in love with that laugh, i can’t get enough of if... I also remember that you where the only one who could tell me and Atsumu apart. You told me that my eyes looked like smokey quarts while ‘Tsumus looked like tigers eye... and that made so much sense to you but to us- we thought you where weird.”

“What about now?” You cut him off, “And you’re still weird, but that what’s why i fell in love. You’re gentleness, when you taped my fingers after volleyball practice. The love you give my brother although hes the greater evil... You made my family your own and i’m so utterly and completely great full for you. If it weren’t for you, Onigiri Miya would be what it is now.... I would be who i am now if it weren’t for you... So thank you for rejecting me the first two years of me confessing and falling so deeply in love with me.”

The two of you, eyes full of tears meet half way when you run up to hug him. His hand on your lower back while you kissed him and the other caressing your cheek.

Through the night Osamu would caress your thigh because you’re dress had a slit up mid thigh. His hand would slide across your thigh to caress the warm inside of your skin. During the dance he drew circles on your lower back and slowly go down and back up again. While you where done, powdering your nose, Osamu had the great idea to follow you and lock the door behind him once he got inside. He stood behind you, creeping his fingers to be wrapped with yours. He nibbles on your neck, careful not to leave love bites. He pushes your chest on a nearby table while lifting up you’re dress as he got on his knees. Osamu kissed the folds of your pussy through the white lace underwear you wore. He set the cloth aside and licked your folds before leaving a sloppy kiss on your clit. His tongue roamed your wet cunt before pumping in his fingers in, to slide them out again and clean them with his mouth. Osamu palmed his cock over this pants as he stood to unzip them. “We’re married now, you won’t mind if I cum inside that tight pussy of yours, right?” Hes fingers wrapped around your neck as he lined the tip of his cock to your entrence. “You’re gotta have to be quiet, they don’t need to know that my wife is a cock whore. Or do you want them to know that miss little perfect is a cock slut for her husband... You want your parents to know that their daughter is dripping on my cock?” He slammed his cock inside you, making you moan into his hand. “You want them to know you love yelling my name in bed?” Osamu was ruthless while he fucked you from behind, “You’re lucky i gotta keep you pretty because your cute little mouth would be wrapped around my cock... crying and drooling since you can bearly take my cock down your throat.”

Osamu tightened the grip on your thighs as he came, “Fuck don’t move... Shit- ugh~ You’re still so tight for me.... Fuck~ you’re so fucking sexy, i wish I could rip this off you but i know i can’t because you’d kill me.”

The two of you let out a tired chuckle... “We should get back.” You sighed, reaching to pat his naked thigh. “First-” Osamu rubbed his thumb against your clit as he slowly pulled out, “-You need to keep the cum inside you baby... So i’ll just pull these up for you.” He pulled up the white underwear back over your ass before he gave it a kiss. He picked you up with his arm and kissed your neck, “Do you feel that? My cum running down your tight hole.” His hand slipped down to your lower tummy. “I fucked you so good, so well, that in a few months you’re tummy is gonna be full with my baby... our baby.”

He kissed your neck again and fixed your hair. “Let’s get back to the party, yeah?”

[jenomark]

PART 4: KUN, THE HUSBAND

➔Pairing:  Kun x Reader (Female) ➔Other Members/ Characters: Brief mention of YangYang ➔Genre: Smut (+ angst, + fluff, + plot) ➔Warnings: oral (M), sexual scene where Kun is a little more drunk than the reader, angst, adultery ➔Word count: 5,994

➔Summary: You don’t know what you do. You don’t even know who you are. Some would call you a whore. Some would refer to you as a sex worker. All of your clients would say you’re damn good at your job.

MASTERLIST

  You had ransacked the place. Lucas’ clothes were splayed all over the floor. One of his drawers was on his bed, the other sticking half out of its home. You had looked in his wardrobe, pushing hangers all the way to the end of the metal pole. You were in this sock drawer, you had looked underneath his bed and, eventually, though against your better judgement, you had looked underneath his mattress. 

  The ring was nowhere to be found. Did you hallucinate the ring? Because it was your worst fear, did you somehow bring it to life and mistake what you had seen? Was it really a key to his apartment the entire time?

 You sat on the floor and started folding his clothes. The moment of weakness left you feeling out of control of your own life. Your brain started convincing you that you had every right to be confused. There had been a ring. It was a simple ring, but it should have been yours. 

  You continued folding his clothes and putting his room back together, the puzzle pieces fitting rightfully in their place. You did not chalk it up to the stress of having to move your life into his, though you were certain that was part of it.

 When you were done, you sat on his bed and closed your eyes as the world spun around you. Lucas came home shortly after, and without saying hello, he climbed into bed and laid his body across yours.

  You liked to feel pretty for him, not just look pretty. If you felt it inside, it didn’t matter what you wore, or what you smelled like. He hardly complimented you on the way you looked when you weren’t underneath him, but there was something satisfying about doing it for yourself, too. So, you curled your hair, put on a full face of makeup, and slipped into something that would help you look more like a teaching assistant. College sweatshirt? Check. Hair scrunchie around your wrist? Check. Jeans so tight they cut off your circulation but made your ass look fat? Double check.

  The hair and makeup was overkill. He would tell you it was too much, that his wife would catch on. What teaching assistant looks sexy at night? He had asked. But you liked going with the narrative of the innocent teaching assistant with a forbidden crush on the teacher. Everyone thought it was cute. Everyone thought it was harmless. You liked his wife underestimating you. 

 You stood in front of his house in the darkness, your eyes peering into every window with a yellow glow. You could see him in one of those windows, standing at the kitchen sink washing a stain from his shirt. He didn’t see you, but he never really did.

 Kun. Married father of two toddlers roughly a year and a half a part. He taught at the university, which, at his young age, was an accomplishment. He could fly a plane. He could drive stick. He knew all the right things to bring on a trip, knew how to ask for what he wanted, even with a language barrier. He was the handsome teacher every student looked up to, the one every faculty member wanted to fuck. Men were jealous of him, of his intelligence, and of how easy it was for him to be respected and imitated. He was a king, and kings could do no wrong.

 Once you met him, you knew that looks, especially the good, wholesome ones, were deceiving. Kun had been cheating on his wife since before she got pregnant, but he had never paid for sex until he met you. He considered it noble and somehow better of him. But, all the same, he would kiss her with the same mouth he used to eat your pussy with. Then, his nobleness would pretend to be the best husband and father in the kingdom.

  Kun wasn’t the only earner of his house. His beautiful queen of a wife was worth a lot of money, the kind of money passed down through generations of family. Their beautiful, perfect home was mostly because of her. Of course, he tended to the garden and kept them all safe, but she was the boss of the house. Without her, he tried to convince you he wouldn’t be just nothing. 

  Watching him from the window made your heart ache. He didn’t have to convince you that he was someone, because he had always been someone to you. The money didn’t matter. You had stopped taking his money after the first few times you fucked, anyway. 

 You took a step forward and watched the lawn light up to reveal a stone path. Kun’s eyes were on you from the window, an intruder walking towards his house. You could see him out of the corner of your eye, his face a picture of warmth and temptation. You walked right up to his front door, with its sign that read: The Qians Live Here, and you rang the doorbell. The music was heavenly, really adding to the feeling that you had stepped into another place and time.

“Hey,” a voice said, “It’s so nice to see you. “

  You were face-to-face with Kun’s wife of five years. She was taller than you, statuesque like a runway model. She was pretty, with sharp features and softer, kinder eyes than you’d ever possess. She didn’t look like someone who stayed home with her kids all day long, but then again, you didn’t exactly look like anything less than a girl coming to see her work colleague. 

“I’m only stopping in for a little bit.” you said, lifting your books high enough for her to see. “I’m sorry to drag him away from his family at this hour.”

Kun’s wife smiled. “Don’t worry about it. My husband works hard. It’s why I love him.”

  She let you inside their home. Right away, you were fighting away the guilt that always rose up your throat like stomach bile. You were the intruder. If this were olden times, there would be worse punishments for you than feeling guilt for fucking someone else’s husband.

  If the outside of their home looked too perfect, the inside told a different story. Their home was so cozy and lived in. There were kids toys everywhere, old glasses of iced tea on the table, and an unfolded laundry sitting in a basket by the couch. Through every room downstairs that she brought you through, you could feel how much family meant to her. The feelings were harder to stomach when you smelled the aroma of freshly baked cookies, each chocolate chip baked with love.

“He’s just in the kitchen,” she said, “My clumsy husband decided to shake the ketchup bottle without checking to see if it was closed.”

  She said those words like she was admitting something romantic that Kun had done. You chuckled to show her that you were listening, but your eyes were still breathing in the state of the house. You hadn’t been there often, but each time felt more dangerous than the last. It was always a risk playing where you ate, but what Kun wanted, Kun got. 

 You both stopped in the kitchen. Kun turned around. When he saw you, his eyes lit up. He didn’t try to hide it, just looked at his wife and started telling her about how the stain needed to be cleaned. It was boring talk, so you tuned him out and tried to make your breathing even. In. Out. In. Out.

“Well, take off your shirt and I’ll clean it right now.” she said.

Kun looked like his wife had asked him to get naked in front of his mother-in-law.” That’s not really appropriate.”

His wife batted her hand in front of her face. “I’m sure she’s seen a shirtless man before. Don’t be so shy. Here, take it off and hand it to me.”

  You didn’t know if you should avert your eyes or not. Kun taking off his shirt wasn’t necessarily sexual, but seeing him so stripped made you want to launch your body across the kitchen and kiss him until you both fell to the ground. His body was tight and toned. He wasn’t that confident about it, but you thought he should have been. He unbuttoned the shirt and handed it to his wife without looking her in the eyes. She took it and disappeared after serving him a “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” look. 

  You and Kun stood facing each other for a beat too long. Kun moved his arm to cover part of his stomach. He was going to say something but a little boy walked into the kitchen, calling for his father. Kun walked to the kid and scooped him right up into his arms. Right after, Kun’s other son came running in and told his father that he was “hungy”. 

“Dinner is almost done.” Kun said, trying to pick up his other son with the other hand.

 You stepped in to help, hoisting Kun’s oldest son into your arms. His son played with your hair and smiled a gummy smile. You had met his kids before, and they were slowly warming up to you. You were terrified of the future where they would try and call you auntie, not really knowing how or why you fit into their lives.

“You’re here!” his eldest son clapped. “Are you eating, too?”

“Maybe I’ll stick around.” you said.

  You tried to imagine what the picture of you and a shirtless Kun holding his children would have looked like from the street outside. To people who didn’t know the Qian’s, you probably looked like the mother of his children. You felt excitement growling in the pit of your belly at the image, or maybe it was just hunger. Either way, you really liked the thought of having kids with Kun, even though the thought of motherhood scared the shit out of you.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Kun asked.

 Usually, you and Kun would meet in his car around the corner and fuck in the backseat. Only once you saw him in public, so you brought him back to your faux apartment and fucked him on a real bed. Your relationship consisted of sneaking away from his life in this house, never flaunting it so openly in public. But something had changed within Kun lately. He liked toeing the line of danger, liked seeing you in his home with his wife. You thought that maybe he was just getting bored with the whole setup, which brought up a whole lot of questions about which girl he was bored with: you, or his wife.

“What if we had a threesome?” Kun had asked the last time you had shown up, a bag full of fake school supplies in your arms. “My wife would like it. She likes you. She told me the other day she thinks you’re hot.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t like me fucking her husband, though.” you had said. And I’m not sure I would like that either, is what you didn’t say.

  Truthfully, Kun’s wife scared you. She wasn’t an idiot like he sometimes could be. Some part of her had to have known what was going on between you and her husband. Every time you and Kun touched, it was electric. Besides, in their part of town, many bored husbands had affairs. It was her inability to say something that terrified you most. Kun’s insistence that his wife would love to fuck you too felt a little off.

“Should I stay for dinner?” you asked him. “I’m sure my boyfriend would like it if I ate dinner with him.”

  Kun winced. He hated Lucas, and you were petty enough to bring him up as a weapon in your discussions. You liked seeing Kun get jealous of your boyfriend. He had no idea what Lucas’ looked like, how your relationship was with him, or if you truly loved him, but it didn’t stop him from begging you to leave him. If anyone got you to leave Lucas, it would have been Kun. You would have definitely left Lucas without thinking about it if Kun was serious about leaving his wife.

“Stay. I want you to stay. ” Kun said. He set his youngest son down in a high chair and buckled him in. “And then after dinner, we can get to work.”

 “You know,” his wife said, sailing back into the room. “I think that stain just might come out. You’re in luck.”

  Kun took his other child from you, his fingers brushing lightly against your stomach. He set him in his high chair and pinched his cheek after buckling him in. Kun’s wife moved around the room, looking here and there, as if she had forgotten something. She disappeared into the kitchen, banging pots and pans around.

“I can’t stay long.” you said, loud enough so she could hear, too. “I’ve been a little busy, lately. I have to.....get home and do things. Lucas, he misses me when I’m gone.”

  The look on Kun’s face made your insides turn to mush. It wasn’t often he would beg you for something, but when he did, it never failed to make you forget who you were, what you were doing, and what you felt whenever he looked at you. You knew it was his way of just getting what he wanted, which, he knew he could get. You were a sucker to give in. Every. Damn. Time.

“Please.” Kun mouthed.

  If you could convince yourself that it wasn’t just for the sex, you would greedily sit down at his table and eat with him. If you could believe in the fairytale with ignorance, it would be easier.

  Suddenly, you remembered the dream you always had about him at that very table, sitting right by his side like his life really belonged to you. Kun was in most of your dreams, and in your reality, too.

“Nonsense,” Kun’s wife said, flittering out of the kitchen with a large dish of food in her hand and a t-shirt hanging over her shoulder. She put the food down and threw the shirt at Kun to put on. “ Your life can wait. You’re our guest. Stay and eat. I’m sure Lucas will understand why we have to keep you hostage.”

“Yeah,” Kun chimed in, rolling the t-shirt down his body. “Me and the wife don’t get out much, and when we want to, our friends are too busy with their own families to enjoy our company. It’s nice that you’re here in the moment. It’s hard to find friends these days.”

  Friend. So, you were not the wife, nor the potential wife. You had somehow found yourself in the friend zone without believing such a zone existed. Not only were you not getting paid for sleeping with him, but there were no other benefits other than heartbreak and the occasional gut belly laugh Kun gave you when he said something ridiculously believable. We could be together, just wait a little longer. We’re meant to be, don’t you feel it?

  You didn’t know when you had fallen so deeply in love with him, or how it really worked next to your other feelings. You felt different for Kun as you did for Lucas, and it confused you. Lucas was love, especially in the beginning. He was certainty and marriage, stressless sex and camaraderie. You knew where Lucas fit into your life, square pegs and round holes and all. You knew what boxes he checked. You knew that if you sat down at the dinner table with Lucas, you would never hesitate to ask him to pass you the salt, too scared to feel a flush against your cheeks if his fingers brushed against yours. Kun was anti-everything you signed up for. You didn’t get to control when you saw him, who he was with, or how close you got to be to him without arousing suspicion. He kept you hidden in the backseat, too afraid to even put the overhead light on so that you could find your bra. He was forbidden fruit, and no matter how hard you tried to make sense of your future, you never saw him in it.

 The one thing you were sure of, was that Kun made you act recklessly. As you lowered yourself into his chair in his family's home, you dared to look him in the eyes. You get everything you want, don’t you? you asked him with your fiery gaze. You wanted him to know that he was the one who kept you up at night. If you had the chance, you would admit that if the right opportunity came along, you would swap places with his wife in a heartbeat.

 Kun sat down in his space, looking very much like your dream of him: perfectly kissable and delightfully fuckable. He looked satisfied with the outcome of the choice he never really gave you. There were times when you felt a little bit like he was taking you for a ride, and that when he was done having his fun, he'd get off and leave you there, hoping for the prospect of love. Kun knew exactly what he was doing to you.

“Good girl.” Kun’s wife said. 

  You and Kun sat in silence, the kids making so much noise that you couldn’t think straight. His wife set the table full of food and sat down in a huff. You waited for her to say something about no one helping out, but she was far too kind for that. She closed her eyes gently, so thankful for the food you were about to consume. When she opened them, her eyes found yours. You could have been mistaken, but the look she gave you felt like one that could see right through you. 

“Dig in.” she said, smiling.

 Before you could fill your own plate, Kun was already doing it. Despite not spending a lot of time with him, he knew what foods you liked. You would spend hours in the car post-coital, just reminiscing about life, discussing your likes and dislikes, and genuinely enjoying eachothers company.  You admired Kun’s intelligence and you think he liked that almost as much as when people at the university did it.  He would puff out his bare chest in the backseat and take pride in whatever wise words he fed you. Reacting like the lovesick school girl was never your intention, but Kun brought it out of you in a way that made you feel unlike yourself. Even knowing that he truly paid attention to what you said made your heart pound uncontrollably. It was like you were under a spell. 

“She’s a big girl Kun,” his wife said. “I’m sure she can do that herself. You’re such a good dad, baby, but not everyone needs you to coddle them.”

“Sorry,” he said. “I’m used to doing it for the kids. Forgive me. Can I get you some wine to drink?”

  It was against your better judgement, but you agreed. Kun got up from his seat, the visual of him attending to you so carefully not lost on his wife. You looked for signs of jealousy or anger, but she had a sickly sweet smile stuck to her face. Somehow, you thought it’d be better if she launched herself across the table and choked you out. It would be kinder than what you deserved.

“He’s a good man.” she said. “Always helping out.”

You nodded. “Thank you for the food.”

“Of course,” she said. She looked towards the kitchen to make sure Kun wasn’t going to walk through the door, and then she leaned in to you. “I know how hard it is for you.”

You lowered your fork. “Hard? What’s hard?”

“Here is the wine!” Kun said, holding a bottle and two wine glasses. He set them on the table and started pouring the deep red liquid. “It’s a good year, too.”

  You looked at his wife but she had leaned back and acted like neither of you had spoken to each other. Kun handed you a glass and kept one for himself, taking a small sip of his before setting it back onto the table. You must have looked at his wife quizzically because she patted her stomach and told you she wouldn’t be drinking tonight.

“We haven’t told anyone yet,” she began, looking at Kun lovingly. “But we’re expecting another baby! So, no wine for me.”

  You looked down at her small belly. She didn’t look pregnant to you. You almost thought it was a joke until you looked at Kun for confirmation. He could hardly look into your eyes and was staring at your forehead like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

 “Congratulations. “ you said, swallowing the lump in your throat. You took a long pull of the wine, hoping that it would make the lump go down faster. 

“Thank you,” she said. “We’re hoping for a girl. I feel a little outnumbered here.” 

 She kept talking, but you tuned her voice out. You felt sick to your stomach. The wine didn’t help. You drank your glass and poured another, drawing concerned looks from Kun. The fuzziness after only a few sips was felt. You pushed the food around on your plate and thought about how to get the fuck out of there. You wiped sweat from your brow, no doubt messing up your makeup. You wanted to cry, but there would be no way to explain the tears. Luckily for you, Kun spoke up and his wife fell quiet.

“Shit.” he said, throwing his napkin down on the table.

“Is everything okay, baby?” his wife asked.

Kun looked at you. “I forgot about the deadline. Shit, honey,” he said turning back to his wife. “May we excuse ourselves for a few minutes so we can go over the plan? Dinner is so lovely and I’d hate to miss it. I’m an idiot, truly.” 

With her hand on her pregnant belly, his wife nodded her head. “Sure. Is there anything I can help with?”

  You poured a little more wine into your glass. Kun took the bottle from you and carefully set it back down on the table. You drank the wine so fast. You didn’t care that all sets of eyes were looking at you like you were unmanageable. 

  You had to hand it to her. She was good at acting. You thought there was no way she didn’t find Kun’s interruption believable. Yet, she smiled gracefully and excused her husband like he was the noble king he saw himself as, ready to change the world of academia with some plan that didn’t exist. 

“I don’t think so. It will only take a few minutes,” he said, standing up.

 God damn him, you thought. Damn his handsome face with their dimples and those beautiful eyes. 

  You stood too fast and felt a little dizzy. His wife was staring at you, her face no longer graceful. One of Kun’s kids held your finger before Kun grabbed your elbow and whisked you away, but you weren’t sure which one.

“Are you okay?” he asked, reaching the top of the stairs. “You drank a lot in less than five minutes. The last time I saw someone drinking like that was at a university party and I had to call an ambulance.”

“I’m fine.” you said, feeling irritated. 

  He took your hand and helped you up the last stair. You had been upstairs a few times, the familiar new baby smell hitting your nostrils before you could scrunch your nose in disgust. Kun held your hand limply, his only purpose to lead you in the direction that was safe from prying eyes.

“What are we really doing?” you whispered, desperately wanting to add a curse  or two in there. 

  The wine was really fucking you up. You were never one to hold your alcohol that well. One glass was enough to help you along, but two glasses had you throwing yourself to the wolves. You slid your arm up Kun’s, feeling the light hairs on his skin. He turned around to kiss you, careful not to make too much sound.

“What we always do.” he said.

“This isn’t your car.” you said. 

  Kun turned on the bathroom light. You blinked and closed your eyes because the light hurt. Kun kissed you, pressing your body aggressively up against a wicker shelf. You were so horny that you would have had him bent you over the sink without any real foreplay, but Kun had other ideas.

“We can’t do anything too loud.” he said. 

“She already knows what we do anyway.” you said, looking down at your feet.

Kun held your chin and made you look him in the eyes. “No, she doesn’t.”

  He kissed you more softly before holding the top of your head and pushing you down to your knees. Kun took out his cock and held it in front of you. You looked up at him and laughed before taking him in your mouth. He swayed a little, which made you realize that you weren’t the only person who was drunk. Kun was just better at covering things up in his own house than you were.

“I think this plan might work after all.” Kun said.

  Sucking Kun’s cock was always interesting. Because you were confined to certain places, he had to force himself to keep quiet. He’d bite on his knuckles to stifle the moans. When he was really far gone, he’d sing a song underneath his breath, keeping his voice even so that his moaning level didn’t ride up. 

You took him out of your mouth. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he said.

  Kun took the back of your head and held it. He fucked your face slowly, pushing his hips forward and pulling them back again. He gathered your hair in his fist and kept thrusting. You kept your mouth still, your teeth tucked behind your lips. A few times he made you gag, and each time, he would go softer in a way that made you feel like he cared about you.

 When he came, he kept his cock stilled in your mouth. He looked at you lovingly, kind of how you always wish he looked at you when you weren’t having sex. You swallowed his load and let him help you to your feet. Holding either side of your shoulders, he leaned forward and kissed your forehead.

“You’re having a baby.” you said.

  Kun was silent. He let you go and pulled up his pants. There was always a brief moment after sex where Kun felt ashamed that he had done anything with you. When he was paying you for sex, the shame emanating from him made you feel icky. When you told him to stop paying you, the shame lessened a little, but he still had the balls to stare you in the face like you were the only one to blame.

“I thought you said you were going to leave her.” you said, trying to get him to react. “Or am I just imagining things again?” 

   You were only bringing it up because you were drunk. You knew it, and so did Kun. In fact, it was a thought you had never brought up, just to save yourself from the embarrassment. You didn’t want him to know that you were hoping you and him would have a future, that you were clinging to the hope that one day you would leave Lucas and he’d leave his wife, and you’d finally get to live that dream life.

Kun tried kissing your forehead again but you pushed him back. Feeling rejected, he said, “Sometimes people have babies to save marriages.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel okay?”

“Please don’t do this now,” he said. “You’ve been drinking. I’ve been drinking. I thought-”

“-you thought? “ you said. “You thought what? That you would invite me here and we’d fuck in your bed while she put the kids to sleep like last time? That we would roll around in your sheets like the fucking teaching assistant and the adulterer? “

“Keep your voice down, please.” Kun said, stepping closer to you. 

  You did as you were told and kept quiet. You shook your head, the tears stinging your eyes. Everything felt like it was crashing down and you didn’t know how to stop it. The wine made you feel like you had to address everything at once, and if you didn’t,  Kun wouldn’t ever understand how you felt. You needed to let him know that you couldn’t fuck him if his wife was pregnant. 

“I can’t do this anymore.” you said, turning towards the bathroom door. You felt like you couldn’t breathe, like all your mistakes were finally grasping your throat, ready to squeeze the light from your lungs.

Kun grabbed your arm but you pulled away. “Like, ever?” 

  You barrelled out of his bathroom and ran down the steps. Kun followed behind, his footsteps softening only when he saw his wife. You made it to the front door of his house. All you cared about was getting outside and breathing in the fresh air. His wife stepped in front of you before you could reach for the handle.

She raised her hand. You thought she would slap you across your face, so you winced.  Instead, she wiped the corner of your mouth with her thumb. “You have a little bit of my husband left on your lip.”

 She moved out of the way, you reached for the handle, and swung the door open. The sight of Kun’s plush green glass was the last thing you saw before you blacked out.

  No one was at the table in your dream. You could smell the toast, see little wisps of smoke coming from the slots in the toaster. You heard the click of your heels as you walked around the linoleum floor, looking for your husband in his crisp tie. On the table, the newspaper laid unread.

 You dreamed different scenarios where you were alone. You were running from something in one, the edge of a black cliff and your feet on the edge, crumbling rocks below. In others, you were simply yelling into a dark void.

 When you woke, you were sweaty and tired, your eyes barely able to stay open. You should have never taken a single sip of wine. You could still feel it in your system as strong as ever, securing you to the car seat you were in, and swirling the traffic light colors in your line of vision.

“You’re awake.” Kun said.

“You shouldn’t be driving.” you whispered.

“I’m not drunk.” he said.

  There were no sounds, not even traffic melee. Kun’s hands were on the steering wheel in the most dad position ever. You could see that his sleeves were rolled up and he was wearing an expensive watch. Time’s up. You didn’t want to look at his face, so you looked out of the window. You focused on breathing evenly. In. Out. In. Out.

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know how,” he said. “The baby wasn’t planned. She told me and I wanted to cry. This isn’t how I imagined my life.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” you said. “It’s still your life. You don’t have to explain anything to me.”

  Kun’s hand was on your knee. You felt physically ill, but you placed your hand on top of his, anyway. You didn’t want to feel alone, driftless and pointless. You held his hand until he parked his car out front of your apartment.

“Can we go upstairs and talk?” he asked.

“And fuck?”

  You looked at him. He looked down at his lap, a million apologies stopping at his lips. He looked at you and inhaled, the exhale of air whistling through his nose. “We can do whatever you want, but I’d like to talk first.”

  You moved his hand from your lap and got out of the car. You didn’t want to be there in front of your apartment. Lucas had dropped off empty cardboard boxes the other day, so the floors were littered with reminders that you would no longer own that life. There was still the real apartment you had shown Hendery, but that place was feeling further and further away by the day.

 Kun stayed in the car, but his eyes were on you as you made your way to his window. You were walking with fear that you’d fall, which should have been what you did the moment you had met him. 

“I’d still like to see you.” he said.

You laughed. “And how would that work? I’d come over as your wife is nursing your third child, you meet me outside and fuck me in the back of your car, one leg in your sons car seat, and the other stepping on old, unwashed baby bottles. That’s not the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard, Kun.”

  Kun got out of the car. You backed up into the middle of the sidewalk. He went to kiss you, but you backed up even further.

“We work well together, you and I.” he said. “Don’t you feel that?”

“We don’t work at all,” you said. “I think I’m seeing that more clearly now. Sad that it had to take me getting piss drunk, but...”

  You wanted to yell at him, to make sure he knows what kind of promises he had broken. You weren’t even sure he remembered what he had told you late at night in the back of his car. You didn’t want him to think for one second that he ever had the upper hand. You were done making a fool of yourself for the night. Let someone else be the jester. 

“Your wife knows.” you said, throwing your hands up in the air.

“I don’t think she cares.” he said.

“I care.”

Kun shifted his weight to his other foot. “How much?”

“Excuse me?” you said. You suddenly remembered Hendery and the money he had given you the last time you saw him. You closed your eyes and prayed that Kun wasn’t saying what you thought he was.

“How much money? I’ll pay you.”

  It might as well have been the slap in the face his wife failed to deliver. Deep down, there was always a part of you that knew you could never hold him for very long. He was like smoke, curling away from your fingers the moment you tried. You knew Kun was never as in love with you as you were with him, but you liked to think he cared about you enough to consider that you were a real person with real emotions.

“It’s not about the money.” you said. 

“Well, then, what is it about? Help me understand.” he said, throwing up his hands like you did a few seconds ago.

  The truth was delicious when you were drunk. You tasted it on your tongue, all the words you’d had to bite back. You wanted to spit it back into his face. You stood on the pavement thinking of all the things you could do when your cell phone rang.

You answered it, turning away from Kun so you could concentrate. “Hello?”

  Hearing his voice was like an antidote to all of the poison filling your lungs. Kun watched your face for any signs that it was Lucas, but he knew you’d never smile so brightly for him. You held the phone closely to your ear and listened to the voice on the other end.

“I’d like to see you.” you said. “YangYang, can you pick me up now?”

[blrush]

If Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding was a serious drama with hour long episodes, Part 3: The Honeymoon Is Over.

Ki Wan drew back his hand. Why had he reached out to Ho Seon like that? What was he hoping to achieve? It must be the exhaustion getting the better of him – yes that was it, he was just tired. In the warm room, under the candle light, Ho Seon had looked so handsome, like a painting of a prince and Ki Wan had felt the urge to touch the painting, and check if it was real. But Ho Seon was a man of flesh and bone, who reacted, and it scared Ki Wan out of his reverie and back to reality – a reality in which he could not afford to make such careless mistakes, or let down his guard.

He stepped back and mumbled under his breath;

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay”, Ho Seon replied, as he brought himself to his feet. They stood apart, an awkward silence between them.

“Ah!” Ho Seon realised, “You spoke!” Ki Wan brought his hand to his mouth, he hadn’t even registered that he’d opened it!

“I’m glad.” Ho Seon smiled, “I thought you never would. I was almost wondering if you could!” He joked, relaxing them both.

Was this the right moment? Should he tell Ho Seon the truth now? The opportunity was presenting itself, he could easily use this conversation as a starting point…

“Come,” Ho Seon spoke before Ki Wan could make up his mind. “Let’s go to bed, you must be tired.”

Ki Wan looked at the bed, then back to Ho Seon.

“Not “to bed”, in that way, I mean to sleep.” Ho Seon assured him.

They were both already down to their under garments, and Ki Wan was tired enough to fall asleep as he was, even though the layers of bandage-like fabric were tight and constricting on his chest and he would rather sleep naked or in a light open robe, he thought that exposing himself was probably not the best way for Ho Seon to find out the truth.

He had never slept in the same bed as another person, and he thought it might prove uncomfortable, but he found the sound of Ho Seon’s deep breathing soothing, and drifted off peacefully, carefully curled up on his own side of the bed.

In the morning, he woke feeling properly well rested for the first time in years. He had never minded his room at home, and was always happy in his own company. But his room had been bigger, and colder, the only sound was the wind outside, whistling through the archways and halls of their empty home. He had no idea the comfort that a warm body beside you could afford. During the night, he awoke briefly, but simply watched the shape of Ho Seon’s shoulders slowly moving up and down and he was quickly lulled back to sleep.

Ho Seon was such a welcome presence, he emanated warmth and comfort. And whilst Ki Wan was still fearful of him discovering the truth, he felt a level of safety and trust already with Ho Seon. He began to truly believe, rather than simply hope, that Ho Seon would be able to accept the truth and Ki Wan’s reasons for his deception. He no longer feared any kind of violent outburst from his new husband, now - he just feared the look of disappointment that would inevitably colour Ho Seon’s normally happy face.

Apparently, even sober, Ho Seon was not easy to rise. He took an age to wake up, twisting and turning under the covers, grumbling and murmuring. Ki Wan found it exceedingly amusing, and lay happily under the warm covers for longer than he should – watching Ho Seon. Ho Seon eventually turned to face him, at first seemingly a little taken aback by another person in his bed, but then registered it was his wife and smiled – toothlessly, his eyes closing.

“Goooggmrrning” He mumbled. Then he opened his eyes, sparkling with mischief, and added in an overly formal tone “My wife.”

“Mmm morning” Ki Wan responded, muffling his voice beneath the covers.

Ho Seon smiled and gave a prompting nod. Ki Wan rolled his eyes.

“Husband” he added quietly. This seemed to please Ho Seon to no end and he smiled ear to ear, giving an enormous yawn and stretch before beginning to get up.

~ ~ ~

The next few weeks of married life passed like a blissful dream. Ho Seon spent most of his days studying, or tending to administrative work, whilst Ki Wan kept his mother-in-law company, doing housework or tending to the garden. Some days, Ho Seon would come out to the courtyard and set up his desk outside on the balcony. Ki Wan suspected he didn’t like to feel excluded from any possible fun they may be having.

Ki Wan found himself settling into a routine of family life, and he and Ho Seon would bid each other goodnight and good morning as spouses, but it felt more like they were children playing house. They both avoided touching one another, and Ki Wan still avoided speaking as much as possible without seeming rude. Though he began to relax, particularly around his mother in-law, who had insisted he call her ‘mother’, which at first Ki Wan found difficult as it made him sad to think of his own loss, but he eventually complied and it only added to the happy-family delusion. She didn’t seem to notice or mind his voice. In fact, she complimented him on it once, and requested that Ki Wan should read to her sometimes – a request that Ki Wan happily complied with, as he missed reading and studying, things which he used to enjoy so much in his old student life before his mother passed away.

One evening Ho Seon passed comment as they were getting ready for bed. Ho Seon was sitting on the bed, cross legged, expectantly, like a child would.

“How come you read to my mother, but you never read to me?” He pouted.

“You can read.” Ki Wan responded.

“Pleeasssse,” Ho Seon whined, “Won’t you read me a bedtime story? Pleeeaase? Wife?”

Ki Wan stifled his laughter, and threw a pillow at Ho Seon in lieu of a proper response.

Their comfortable pantomime as a married couple became second-nature, and Ki Wan almost forgot about the graveness of his circumstances. He knew deep-down this illusion couldn’t last forever, but he couldn’t bring himself to be the one to shatter it.  Their bubble was burst before long, not by either of them, but in the form of an unexpected visitor.

~ ~ ~

Ki Wan often bathed at the house, where they had a big warm tub which the maid would fill for him, and that Ho Seon would use after him. But his fear that the maid may walk back in at any moment, or that Ho Seon himself might barge in unknowingly meant that bath-time became more stressful than relaxing, and he could never really clean his body properly as the tub was too small and he spent most of the time trying to hide his naked body under the water. Walking one day near the river, his mother in-law pointed out a gorge where she said there was a natural spring that people could bathe in.

“I used to take Ho Seon down here when he was little.” She reminisced, “He used to love splashing around – he was so chubby as a baby! Aiiguuu, you will have such cute babies!”

The topic of children did seem to come up an awful lot with his mother-in-law, though Ki Wan normally brushed it off by acting coy and shy about the topic of baby-making. She never pushed him about it or asked intrusive questions about the physical side of their marriage, but she did always manage to slide babies into the conversation.

One morning, Ho Seon announced that he had to go into town on some business, and would take a few hours – whilst his mother-in-law felt poorly and said she would be staying in bed to rest. After helping her into bed, and reading to her until she fell sleep, Ki Wan felt a sudden rush of freedom and relief – he was alone! He immediately rushed back to the bridal house, collected clean undergarments, and headed out for the spring. He left a note beside his mother-in-law’s bedside, lest she wake and panic – or worse, come to find him.

Amongst the rocks and foliage, the spring looked tranquil and inviting. He carefully made his way amongst the trees, down the steep incline. He removed his clothing, and waded in. The water was cold but refreshing, and he dunked his head right under. Relief and calm enveloped him under the surface. He floated around happily, washing himself and swimming, revelling in the peace and quiet.

He knew he should get out soon, as his fingertips were beginning to wrinkle, and his mother-in-law was sure to wake eventually, but he was so relaxed he didn’t want to leave.

Giving his hair a final rinse, he dragged his fingers through a knot at the end and turned to where he had left his clothes on the rocks. He yelped with fright, a man was standing above the rocks looking down at him. He lowered himself further under the water, covering his chest completely.

He could only make out a silhouette, a tall frame, an adorned hat – a government official.

He dared not move, he could barely breathe. He had let his guard down for the first time in over a month, and this is what had come of it! The man began to move, and at first Ki Wan thought he was going to come further down the rocks to the pool, but instead – thankfully – the man turned and made his way back up to toward the road. There was no way of knowing how long he had been standing there. Had he been watching? How much could he see from up there? Had he simply wanted to use the spring, seen a young man bathing, and left? Or had he seen a woman in a state of immodesty? Either way, Ki Wan told himself that the man was a stranger so what should it matter to him?

But what should he do? Grab his clothes and head the opposite direction? But he didn’t know his way around the woods outside the property that well, he really only knew the way back to the Ryu house along the road. No, he would have to stay in the pool longer and hope the man left. But there was no way of knowing how long that would be. He sat in indecision until he could bare the cold no longer. Shivering he clambered out of the spring and put on his dress. Struggling and rushing, his clothes were now damp and he felt uncomfortable. But the afternoon sun had moved beyond trees and he was beginning to freeze in the woods. He would have to head home and hope the man had left the road. He tied back his wet hair and set off.

Upon arriving home, Ki Wan went directly to visit his mother-in-law, who was sitting up in bed, sipping some tea.

“Ahhh, my daughter, come sit beside me.”

“Eomeoni, how are you feeling?”

“Fine, I’m fine. I hate wasting away the day in bed. It makes me feel like an old lady!”

Ki Wan cracked a smile. “Oh? But you don’t look a day over twenty-five!”

“YA!” She half shouted, half laughed. “Rude girl! I was a real beauty in my day you know!”

Just then the maid knocked on the door and entered.

“Ma’am, there is an officer here to see the young master. He has been waiting a little while near the stables. I didn’t want to disturb you, and I wasn’t sure where the young madam was. I told him that Ho Seon was away in town, but he said he could wait. Shall I put him in the guest room, or offer him some tea?”

“Ughhh” she harrumphed, “I’m not in the mood to see some stuffy old court official today. He can just wait for Ho Seon, he should be back soon.”

“With all due respect Ma’am, he does seem very high-ranking. And he is not so stuffy or old… he’s actually quite handsome.” She giggled and looked toward Ki Wan for some sisterly affirmation.

“Very well. Hwa Jin, since you are now the lady of the house, why don’t you go and tend to him. Just serve him some tea and make a bit of small talk until Ho Seon gets back. Oh, and then let me know how handsome he is” she winked.

Ki Wan tried to force a smile as he rose, but his heart was sinking. What if it was the man from the spring? It had to be, what other official would be out on that road coincidentally? He began following the maid toward the stables to collect the gentleman.

Perhaps he had not seen Ki Wan’s face? Who was to say he would make the connection that the person he had seen in the pool was Ki Wan? He had to calm himself down!

As they approached the stables, where the official was tending to his horse, Ki Wan was sure it was the same man. The same broad stature, the same high-ranking hat. He turned when he noticed them, he was – as the maid had claimed – young and very handsome. The maid introduced Ki Wan formally.

“Sir, may I introduce the Lady Ryu Hwa Jin, wife of Ryu Ho Seon. She will see to you whilst you await Master Ryu’s return.”

“Pleasure to meet you. My name is Kim Tae Hyung, Head of the Department of Justice.”

The maid gave a bow, and shuffled away, leaving Ki Wan quaking with fear.

Ki Wan gave a polite bow, then turned for Tae Hyung to follow him through the courtyard. Ki Wan kept his head low and turned away from the man, silently praying for Ho Seon’s speedy return.

Ki wan showed Tae Hyung to the guest room, a simple room with a large reception area and a small alcove for bedding to the side. They rarely used it, but it was the most appropriate space for the man to be received, and for him to meet with Ho Seon if it were for business. Tae Hyung sat down at the table, and Ki Wan waited silently at the door for the maid to bring tea. Ki Wan was on edge, waiting for the man to speak. But he sat quietly, and Ki Wan continued to stare at his own feet.

Finally, the maid arrived with a tray of tea, which she placed on the table before leaving again. Ki Wan took a deep breath to steady himself, then went about serving the tea. He focused on his hands, looking down at the table, he poured two cups and handed one politely to the gentleman. As he did so, their hand touched, and Ki Wan wondered if it had been intentional on Tae Hyung’s part – as if he was trying to incite some sort of a reaction from Ki Wan – the kind of small gesture that might fluster a particularly prudish, gentle, or chaste young lady. Ki Wan made no reaction, and sipped his own tea. Then he sat back on his heels, placed his hands in his lap and waited. All the while, repeating the same mantra in his mind; ‘Ho Seon come back. Ho Seon come back. Ho Seon come back…’

“Unseasonably cold today wouldn’t you agree Lady Ryu?”

Ki Wan nodded.

“A bit cold for a swim, wouldn’t you agree?”

He knew.

Ki Wan was petrified, unmoving. What had he seen? There was something sinister behind his light tone. Ki Wan was sure he knew.

Tae Hyung placed his cup down on the table and leant forward. He brought his hand up to Ki Wan’s face, grabbed his chin and forced Ki Wan to look up at him.

Ki Wan could feel himself losing control of his fear, his neck and ears felt flushed, he was gritting his teeth so hard it was nearly audible, and he could feel tears beginning to well in his eyes. This was it, he was finished. This was not his kind husband finding out the truth, this was a powerful military man who probably had deeply strict Confucius values.

He examined Ki Wan’s face carefully, and looked almost pleased with himself.

“Hmmm… utterly convincing. But how odd. What’s a pretty young boy like you doing parading around as a noble woman?” He sounded amused, like this was all a fun game. Ki Wan was gripping his skirt tightly, and felt bile rising up in his throat.

Just then, Ki Wan heard the sound of approaching footsteps in the courtyard, and Tae Hyung calmly pulled his hand away – like he wasn’t at all bothered by the thought of being caught touching another man’s wife. Ki wan had never met someone so self-assured in their own sense of power.

Ki Wan heard Ho Seon enter the room from behind him.

“Ah! Kim Tae Hyung! I wasn’t expecting you. Sorry I had business in town. How have you been?” He sat himself down beside Ki Wan, and began to pour himself some tea.

“I’m well, thank you. I’ve been travelling the country on some royal errands. I heard you were getting married, I was so sorry I couldn’t attend.”

“Ahh, not to worry!” Ho Seon responded brightly, “It was a small wedding, just family really.”

Ho Seon’s exuberance and cheerful voice, which Ki Wan usually found so comforting, was like the sound of grinding metal in its contrast to Ki Wan’s mood and the tension of the room. Ki Wan was still fraught with anxiety and fear and felt like he was suffocating.

“I never pegged you as the marrying type” Tae Hyung began, “What changed?”

“My mother’s getting older, I guess she wanted a daughter to keep her company, and she was determined to see me settle down and have a family.”

“Oh?” Tae Hyung looked amused over his cup of tea, “Any luck so far?”

“Tae Hyung!” Ho Seon chastised half-heartedly. It was clear to Ki Wan that they were old friends, perhaps from school, Ho Seon’s easy manner and informal speech made that obvious. But Tae Hyung was fishing for information, trying to figure out if Ho Seon knew his wife’s secret – but his subtle jibes at Ki Wan were going completely unnoticed by Ho Seon.

“Tell me, where did you find such a beauty? I’ve never met another woman like her.” He looked directly at Ki Wan, with a smirk that, to Ho Seon, must have seemed like flirting – but to Ki Wan felt more like a threat.

Ho Seon followed Tae Hyung’s gaze, and for the first time since entering the room, finally looked at his wife. His smile quickly faded.

“Hwa Jin! Are you okay?” He sat up to attention. He reached across her skirts, and put his hands over Ki Wan’s. “You’re freezing!” He held Ki Wan’s hands tighter and gave them a squeeze.

“I believe your wife went for a dip in the nearby spring whilst you were out.”

Ho Seon lifted a hand to the back of Ki Wan’s neck, checking the temperature of his skin, he touched Ki Wan’s hair.

“You’re soaking wet!” He sounded genuinely concerned. But Ki Wan had barely noticed the damp seeping through his clothes. He was shivering from nerves not the cold.

“Hwa Jin, why don’t you go and get changed and get warm. I will get the maid to bring you some dinner.” He gave Ki Wan’s hands another squeeze, and prompted her to get up.

Ki Wan wandering aimlessly back to their bridal house as night began to fall around him. Should he have left Ho Seon alone with Tae Hyung, what if he told him the truth? What were Tae Hyung’s intentions? What was Ki Wan’s plan? He needed a plan. But he couldn’t think. He was still reeling from the shock of his encounter with Tae Hyung and as the night fell and the temperature dropped, he did begin to deeply feel the cold of his damp clothes.

He arrived back at their room, where he quickly tended to the fire under the house. Inside he lit a candle and began undressing. He hung up his wet dress and put on new under-dress. He was still freezing. He began to put on all the jackets and outwear he could find, then got under the covers of the bed.

Maybe he should leave? Run away into the night. What if Tae Hyung had him arrested, as a fraud or a pervert? What if he turned Ho Seon against him? But where would he go? Run away into the woods to starve or freeze to death? Before he could think of a plan, his eyes became heavy and he submitted to sleep.

He was awoken by Ho Seon gently shaking his shoulder.

“Hwa Jin. Hwa Jin. Wake up, have something to eat.”

At first Ki Wan thought it was morning, but the room was still dark and Ho Seon was still dressed.

“There’s some dinner here for you, you should eat something.”

Ki Wan begrudgingly sat up, his neck felt stiff and he was sweating under too many layers of clothing.

“Why are you wearing all my clothes?” Ho Seon laughed.

“I was cold.” Ki Wan drowsily answered.

“Mmhm”. Ho Seon nodded. He seemed himself. Not angry or scared. Tae Hyung must not have told him. Somehow, that make Ki Wan more unsettled. If he was keeping Ki Wan’s secret, was he planning on using it against him? A high-up military man, he could easily be the type of person to collect people’s secrets and use them to his advantage. This was Ki Wan’s crossroads, the illusion he had created for himself was finally shattered and he would have to make a decision. He would have to tell Ho Seon the truth.

Ki Wan starting shaking off the layers of jackets he was wearing, leaving a trial of clothes behind him on the floor as he went to join Ho Seon at the table.

“Wait.” Ho Seon stood up. Ki Wan froze. Ho Seon began approaching him.

“Your hair is still wet.” He said. Ki Wan sighed in relief.

“Oh.” He was still so drowsy, his limps felt heavy. He felt back to his wet bun – no wonder he had been so cold. He took out the pin and untied the ribbons. He rummaged around the dresser for a brush.

“Come here” Ho Seon plied, “You really need to eat something, you’re already so skinny – how can you go all day without eating. Mother said you were out half the day.”

Ki Wan sat down in front of the table and let Ho Seon take the brush from him. He slowly started picking at the food, but could barely stomach anything.

Ho Seon sat behind him, and began slowly brushing out his hair. It was a nice feeling. And Ki Wan almost began to fall asleep again.

“Tae Hyung spoke to me.” Ho Seon began softly. Ki Wan snapped back to attention, his heart hammering in his chest.

“Mmm?”

“He has a position for me in his department. He wants me to take it, and move to the capital.”

Ki Wan tried not to react. Ho Seon attentively kept brushing his hair, in long careful strokes down his back.

“Oh?”

“I told him I couldn’t take it. That my mother is too sick, and that you are just getting used to life here. But he said it was “of national importance”. I think things in the court are bad. He says he needs “allies”, whatever that means. I don’t want to go. I hate all the politics of court and I am perfectly happy living here. But he can be…. well, he is a difficult man to refuse – he’s powerful and … he said that it was really more of an order than a request.” He sighed.

“He said you would come with me of course, that we would be given housing at court. I am just sorry that you will have to move again. You just got settled here, and I don’t know what my mother will do without us – but she can’t make that journey she’s far too frail…”

He was rambling now, caught up in the rhythmic task of brushing Ki Wan’s hair, he was letting his own anxieties come tumbling out in a string of thoughts and apologies. Ki Wan had not seen him this anxious since their wedding night. He lifted a hand to stop the brush in Ho Seon’s hand, and turned to face him, their knees touching slightly.

Ki Wan had grown to love this space, their evenings together. In this candlelit cave that was theirs, where it was quiet and just the two of them. He knew he was about to ruin that forever.

Ki Wan took a deep breath.

“Ho Seon. I have something to tell you.”

TBC (Other parts here)

Authors Notes:

Yeah, sorry, trigger warning I guess? I made Tae Hyung a creep for added drama, cause every good Joseon drama has to have an evil antagonist.

And I hope you enjoyed my blatant references; to a certain natural spring in cloud recess and a little hair brushing reference to the gayest scene to ever pass chinese censorship. 

Hope you enjoyed!

[maxismatchccworld]

Patch Notes

PC:1.69.54.1020 / Mac: 1.69.54.1220 Console: Version 1.35 Happy Holidays Simmers! It’s time to go back in to Create a Sim! Where in this update you will find 100+ new skin tones, customization sliders for skin tones and makeup, and three improved base game hairstyles! Every skin tone now has a value slider that allows you to change the light to dark value of that skin tone, unlocking a much wider variety of skin tone options for you to play with! You will also find that our skin tones are now filterable to warm, cool, and neutral tones (as well as miscellaneous that covers our occult skin tones).

The new makeup sliders add more choices and opportunities for you to customize your Sims, and express your Sim’s style! Hue, saturation, value or brightness, and opacity are now available to modify on the makeup. We have locked some of the sliders where it did not provide an optimal experience or make sense for the makeup. Expect us to continue our work on these issues into the future to provide you with more. In addition to the customization opportunities provided, you can also save custom swatches as you tweak your sliders to get the perfect look. When you click on the swatch (for skin tones and makeup) as you modify the sliders, you will have an opportunity to save your custom settings, so you can re-use it later without having to remember your perfect looks! Did we mention that we made some hair updates? We did - we updated a base game child hair (cfHair_BraidedPonyTail), and we added a second version of that hair that removes the baby hairs (cfHair_BraidedPonyTailPlain). And we updated a base game male hair that you may find difficult to recognize from the original hair (ymHair_flatTopTextured)!

We have updated the Main Menu!... Again! The idea behind this change is to create a more cohesive experience and give Packs a more proper space as we continue to grow our content lineup. As a nice bonus, we highlighted the Gallery in a more meaningful way to inspire you.

-SimGuruGnome & SimGuruRusskii

Now onto the fixes:

Sims 4

Sketching so much that the Digital Sketch Pad just quit on you? Never fear! Freelancer Sims that use the Digital Sketchpad will now be able to complete designs without being reset abruptly.

Happy Birthday to all! Sims will now properly Age Up. Adulting is hard but they will make it, don’t worry.

Fixed an issue in which Doors, Windows, and Arches had cutouts when being reflected in Mirrors. Rorrim Rorrim no eht llaw, ohw si eht tseriaf erutaef fo meht lla?

Sims that do not have the Fishing Skill, or have not been Fishing at all, will not get notifications about identifying Fish. THEY WERE FISHING WITH THEIR MINDS.

The following careers have added the “Take Vacation Day” option, yay!Editor Russkii note: I didn’t want to add each line in each pack for this fix, it would have looked weird and robotic so that is why I chose to do one bullet point for all in this section.

Child Sims will no longer forget they are in their Sleepwear when they go to school. Though in these times of Work and School from Home, I don’t blame them one bit.

The Sweet Escapes Country Toilet will no longer be Comfortable AND Uncomfortable at the same time… There can only be one!

Sims with the Best Selling Author Aspiration can now complete their task of writing 3 Best Sellers.

Fixed an issue in which resized objects would disappear when they were part of downloaded Gallery items.

We revised our Careers (Pack specific and not) and we made sure there were no Chance Cards that were repeated constantly.

We noticed we had added the option to Clean Up Toddler on kitchen and bathroom sinks for both Toddlers and Children by mistake, so we removed it for both age groups from the sink… but how would have they fit? Like… how? These are the questions that keep me up at night.

Build Snowpal interaction is no longer available on non-natural ground (For Simmers that own Seasons and/or Snowy Escape). That's why it's called a Snowpal, not a Floorpal!

Gardener (Seasons)

Military (Strangerville)

Lifeguard for Teens and Conservationist (Island Living)

Law, Education, and Engineer (Discover University)

Civil Designer (Eco Lifestyle).

Get to Work

We made a clarification on the Xenophilia moodlet when interacting with Alien Sims. It should no longer say “From Discovering Aliens” but now it correctly reads “From Interacting with Aliens.”

Fixed an issue in which childbirth was not possible if Simmers changed the color swatches of the Surgery Tables. Now listen, I have heard about renting whole hospital wings for a birth in real life and other eccentricities, but this… was really something.

Get Together

Male Sims will no longer get Pregnant after receiving calls from NPC Sims.

City Living

NPC Sims will now text and call with invitations to Festivals. I personally welcomed the calm and quiet of my phone not beeping about constantly. But I can’t miss a Festival!

Sims rejoice! Yard sale customers will no longer invade their Home Lots and use Household objects. It is a Yard Sale… OUT in the yard, not an Open House.

Did you ever regret trusting some Sims enough to give them your apartment keys to constantly get visits from them for Milk and Juice? You can rest assured that they will no longer visit you for this purpose. I think some neighborly love is appreciated, but this went beyond the proverbial “May I have a cup of sugar?” type of situation.

Fixed an issue in which interactions to participate on GeekCon contests would not appear when interacting with objects.

We decided to give a bit more clarity when displaying the location of Festivals, so now it will display as “Near <insert location>” and not a distinct location that is not entirely correct. This is true for Festivals in Snowy Escape as well.

Cats and Dogs

Pets will no longer sleep in random places when told to sleep on their Pet beds. In my world they can sleep where they are most comfortable, my conspiracy… allegedly.

Seasons

Sims can now Shower in the Rain… Jury is still out on Singing and Dancing.

Sims will no longer “lose” their shovels when performing other autonomous activities while performing the interaction “Shovel Snow.”

Our friendly neighborhood Snowpal has been properly renamed to Chill from Chil. Everything I knew before was a lie… a LIE!

Ever felt like the Holiday spirit has just been too much to handle, and Father Winter starting to show up everywhere and not letting you do much of anything getting a bit… out of hand? Fear not! Father Winter will stop replicating himself* to spread holiday cheer. *Note this fix is not entirely retroactive, new saves should see this without issue. Existing saves will correct themselves over time.

Get Famous

Duck Security SCROO9E Super XL Smart Vault will no longer disappear after Sims Woohoo in it… you can say Woohoo can be romantic and magical, but maybe not to this extent?

NPCs from the Actor Career sometimes would never show on Set, making gigs impossible to complete. We've spoken with their union reps and everyone has agreed to stop this ridiculous strike. What were they striking about? Was there even a Strike? We may never know.

Island Living

Mermaids and other Occults should no longer be able to make hybrid occults. How were they making them? Oh boy, I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to give you the mermaid-birds and spellcaster-bees talk.

Randomly generated Mermaid Sims will no longer be seen without some features in affected Simmer Saves. However this fix is not retroactive, so it should be seen fixed in new saves.

Pizza delivery to Lagoon Look Lot has been fixed to arrive promptly. This is Sulani Deep Lagoon Pizza, home of the 2x1 Mermadic Kelp Pizza and the Salty Llama Combo, may I take your order? <Descriptive Simlish on the line> Uh huh… uh huh… <Indescribable Simlish on the line> Yes, we now can ACTUALLY deliver to Lagoon Look… <Interrogative Simlish on the line> Yes, we told our delivery Sims that they need to deliver it there and not keep the pizza for themselves… like give it to the actual client. <Surprised Simlish on the line>

Discover University

Has this ever happened to you? Your Sim is ready to make an offering to the Sprites only to find a crystal stuck without being able to move it? No longer a problem, Sims now can remove offerings so all their rituals can resume. Sprites rejoice.

We fixed an issue for our Console Simmers that wouldn’t allow them to close the Humanoid Robot’s Behavior Module Menus correctly.

Fixed an issue that would cause items to be repossessed when loans were fully paid. That is NOT how it worked Repo Person… NOT how it worked.

Sims with Research & Debate Skill 3 or higher will no longer be able to “Convince to” with Toddler Sims.

Masquerade Secret Society Masks are now properly unlocked in Create a Sim when joining the Secret Society.

Fixed an issue in which Heckle animation was sometimes not being performed autonomously by Sims while playing Ping Pong.

Eco Lifestyle

Fixed an issue that triggered the Off-the-Grid notifications after traveling to different Lots in Evergreen Harbor, even when they are not labeled as Off-the-Grid.

We spoke to all Eco Inspectors, and they have agreed that they should NOT be charging the Energy efficient appliances fine if your appliances are fully upgraded to be super efficient and amazing. I mean all that work and still get fined? Not in this house!

Fixed an issue in which some placeholder text was showing in notifications after Dumpster Diving.

The Americana Station Speakers will now play Music… as the prophecy foretold.

When the We Wear Bags N.A.P is active, Grim Reaper will not be partially invisible when appearing on a Lot. Grim Reaper contributes!

Living the No Appliance lifestyle? We’ve got news for you! Sims will no longer be penalized for not having “Eco-Friendly Appliances.” No appliances, no fines!

Snowy Escape

Vending Machine Canned Soups and Drinks won’t spoil anymore. Time to stock up!

Sims can no longer go on Hikes while holding their Toddlers.

Space Heaters will now be able to be placed on Lots from Inventory. Sharing the warmth everywhere!

Fixed an issue in which the Shoe Removal Sign in 5-1-2 Kiyomatsu was not working properly. We also added Shoe Removal Signs in 5-1-1 Kiyomatsu and 2-4-2 Wakabamori.

Sims will now be more visibly furious when having the appropriate furious sentiment toward other Sims. “Yes, I’m mad!... No! This IS my furious face!”

Fixed an issue with some animations that would stutter while Snowboarding or Skiing. We also made sure that Sims with a high level of those skills would not always choose the Bunny Slopes.

Izzy Fabulous’ Star Simmi Rank was just too fabulous so we had to correct it to be one star less than displayed. Don’t worry Izzy, you are a full 4 stars in my book, you are that fabulous to me.

After much debate of whether it is the Cave Shrine or the Mountain Shrine for Hiking destinations we finally decided to just call it Mountain Shrine.

We revised the Snoop-Proof Bamboo Blinds and it is now possible to drop’em like they’re hot with the Thousand Words Window.

NPC Sims will no longer “take over” the Slopes for themselves for an indefinite period of time, now they will be sharing with all Sims the joys of the Slopes.

Fixed an issue in which Sims would get highlighted in the Sentiment Panel as if receiving new Sentiments every time traveling is involved.

Sims with Rock Climbing Skill 7, or higher, are able to autonomously climb the Tall Wall (Such tall! So much wall!). There is no need to not face what makes you uncomfortable… autonomously.

Had a chat with Yamachan and asked if he was ok, he seemed to start random conversations and then randomly say goodbye without reason. We are happy to report that he is OK now and will try not to do that. Give us a hug Yamachan.

Food Stalls at Mt. Komorebi Festivals won’t be closing shop randomly during Festival hours anymore. <guitar and piano intro> Closing time, open all the Stalls and eat all the food in the world...Closing time, turn all the lights on and let Yamachan greet you heeeere…

Create a Sim asset ymHat_EP10HelmetGoggles has been fixed to no longer display clipping around the neck area as well as we made sure no facial hair is removed when wearing this asset.

Dine Out

Experimenting with photo frames will no longer use the same picture of an Experimental Meal when displayed.

Hot Pot meals are now part of Restaurant Menus! I miss the times I would go to eat Hot Pot at a restaurant. One of my favorites has a conveyor belt that carries your fixings never leaving your table for a thing. *happy sigh*

Vampires

Vampire Sims will no longer be affected by temperature, so they won't be constantly obsessed with lighting fireplaces trying to get warm.

Post edited by EA_Leeloo at 6:30PM

Source: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/984647/december-7th-2020-patch-notes

[basicallywhiterice]

on top of the world (dong sicheng/winwin)

pairing: sicheng/winwin x reader

genre: angst, fluff, flangst. friends to lovers, highschool!au, dancer!sicheng, spring break trip

summary: The fall to the ground doesn’t seem so daunting when you’re living on top of the world.

word count: 3.2k

warnings: cussing

a/n: if enough people get mad at me i’ll write a part 2

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

this can be read as a standalone, but it is part 1 in the on top of the world series. crossposted on ao3 here!

Chinatown, Washington, D.C., 7:01 p.m.

“Honest Abe? More like, honest babe,” Lucas hollers to Kun and no one in particular, drawing a few disgruntled looks from the pedestrians waiting for the walk signal to flash again. He winks at a man in a navy suit, who rolls his eyes and looks away. Yangyang reaches over for a high-five.

“Dude was 6′ 4″, of course he’s a babe,” Sicheng whistles, leaning behind Yangyang and craning his neck to steal glances at Kun’s phone.

To your right, Ningning flits around, snapping pictures of the street displays and assorted neon lights on the storefronts. You watch her alongside Giselle, who pops her bubblegum, periodically glancing at the traffic light at the bustling intersection. Standing shoulder to shoulder with you to your left, Kun rattles off a hodge-podge of facts about Abraham Lincoln and Ford’s Theatre, which you just passed by, from his phone screen to a faux-enthused Yangyang, who shakes Sicheng by the shoulders every time Kun reads a new fact. He occasionally gets pushed into Lucas’s side, rolling his eyes while doing little to hide the growing grin on his face.

“... and apparently they planned his assassination in the building the Wok n’ Roll restaurant we passed used to be,” Kun remarks.

“OH MY GOD SICHENG ISN’T THAT SO CRAZY?” Yangyang all but screams. “IT WAS IN THE WOK N’ ROLL!”

As you glance over fondly, your eyes linger on the orange hues and kaleidoscopic shadows the nearby “do not walk” signal spills over Sicheng’s face. After a moment, he looks away from Yangyang’s exaggerated bouncing. His gaze flits upwards, meeting your stolen glance with his own.

The world grinds to a halt beneath your feet when a strong gust of wind blows through your hair, propelling you into free fall into the depths of his eyes until Giselle tugs on your arm, pulling you back into the present.

She gestures toward the “walk” signal on the traffic light, and you fall in line with her quick footsteps as you stride across the crosswalk.

“We should go there later,” she suggests. “Try summoning Lincoln’s ghost or something.”

“The Wok n’ Roll?”

“Yeah. Do you think his ghost would have his top hat?”

“I thought ghosts were just spirits and didn’t take material possessions with them?”

“Yeah, but then every ghost would be naked, which would be hella inappropriate.”

Ningning overhears, skipping up to you and looping her arm through yours. “You have to prove the existence of ghosts and take them out to dinner before you get them naked, you pig.”

“I made yo momma sound like a ghost last night,” Lucas quips. “I skipped the ‘getting dinner’ part, though.”

“Goddamn,” Giselle exclaims as you burst into laughter, throwing jokes and jabs at each other for the rest of the trek to the ramen restaurant where you eat dinner.

Hilton Garden Inn, Washington, D.C., 9:13 p.m.

After helping Giselle and Ningning unpack, you knock on the communicating door between your hotel room and the boys’ in order to bother Kun.

Sicheng answers, moving aside so you can step across. Their room is surprisingly clean, although you chalk it up to the limited amount of time they had to unpack earlier today. Lucas sits at the desk in the corner near the window, hunched over his laptop while Yangyang peeks over his shoulder. You glimpse a few pictures of the Washington Monument on his screen before he scrolls down to other marble structures.

“Are you looking up other places to visit?” you ask him.

He glances up, cracking his neck before responding. “Yeah. I can’t find anything special that we don’t know about, though.”

“It’s boutta be lit,” Yanyang chimes in.

“Ayeee,” Lucas responds. They start aggressively patting each other on the back and arms, and you take that as your cue to leave before they wrestle you into whatever weird ritual they’re performing.

Turning, you see Sicheng flop down onto the bed closest to the windows where Kun lays, sprawled out. “Hey,” Kun greets, lifting his head from his pillows.

“Hey,” you reply, remembering the reason why you came to the room in the first place. “Oh yeah! I found a stop sign a few blocks from here on a decently busy street. It’ll take ten minutes to go there and back, tops.”

He groans. “I would love to go, but I just got a stomachache. Tell you what. Sicheng,” he says, propping himself up at a snail’s pace and clasping Sicheng’s shoulder, “you can accompany her there, right?”

“To a stop sign?” Sicheng asks, looking up from his phone.

“A hand-picked, top tier, magnificent stop sign,” you proclaim. “Whenever me and Kun travel, we always get a random passerby to take our picture in front of a stop sign like it’s a tourist attraction. Are you down for potential social awkwardness?”

The corner of Sicheng’s lips tugs up into a grin. “You know it. I’m not ruining your tradition with Kun, am I?” he asks, glancing sideways at Kun for confirmation.

Kun flops back down on the bed. “Nah. If I went right now, I’d probably ruin the tradition by shitting my pants there or something.”

Sicheng chuckles. “Promise? We could print out those pictures and mail them back to your parents like a postcard.”

“I like the way you think,” you say with a scheming smile, nodding at Sicheng before turning back to Kun. “Anyways, drink some warm water to help with your stomachache, maybe? What do you think caused it?”

He shrugs. “Not sure. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten that trashcan pizza slice in the subway.” Sicheng reaches over and flicks his forehead. “Ow! I’m kidding! Why would you torment a sick man like this? Go away and take your pictures already.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” you ask as Sicheng asks, “You sure?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. Worst comes to worst, I’ll take a Pepto-Bismol in fifteen minutes. Go and have fun.” He waves you off, grabbing a spare pillow and lightly smacking Sicheng with it.

“Fine, mom.” Sicheng stands, pocketing his phone. “You ready? I just need to put on my shoes.”

“Yeah.” As he walks over to the closet, you sneak a peek at your reflection through your phone screen. Fighting back a sudden bundle of nerves, you discreetly smooth your t-shirt down, running a hand through your hair. Kun wiggles his eyebrows when he notices, and you flip him off, silently warning him to stay quiet.

He doesn’t. “Have fun on your date with loverboy,” he whispers.

“Shut up.”

“After you leave, should I check out the pool?” he murmurs. “Lucas and Yangyang said they don’t feel like swimming tonight.”

“What, isn’t your stomach—”

“Oh my, would you look at the time? Off you go!” He shoos you away, almost standing up to push you away and laying back down before Sicheng can turn around. You’re almost impressed by how well he set you up.

Still, though. If Kun weren’t your best friend, you’d shove him into the hotel’s fountain.

H Street Northwest, Washington D.C., 9:40 p.m.

Half an hour later, you give up on the facade of collecting anti-tourist pictures after the third stop sign, stopping by the Chinatown Express to grab a bowl of noodles with roast duck to go. You walk for a few blocks before finding a bench to sit and split it at, slurping them up in an appreciative silence.

“Oh my god,” Sicheng intones around a mouthful of noodles. When you look over, his cheeks are puffed, an empty spoon descending to rest inside the soup container.

“You look like one of those baby birds eating scraps,” you giggle.

“I’m certainly skilled with chicks,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows.

You roll your eyes, then scoot closer to pick up a piece of roast duck. Your knees touch, but neither of you move away. “Do you think there’s a more advanced form of life than humans, like aliens, and they view us how we view animals?” you ask, resuming the conversation you had about the meaning of life before you sat down. “Like we don’t think birds could become self-aware, no matter how intelligent they are, so then we can’t achieve the alien version of self-awareness no matter how philosophical we get.”

“Good question. Uh, alien self-awareness would probably relate to the meaning of life or something, right? Or the secrets of the universe and breaking the laws of physics. And because they’re so big brained, they could control things with their minds and be enlightened with telekinesis. So hypothetically, if I were a wise, sagely alien,” he says, gently picking up your hand and laying it flat against his palm, “I could make my hand pass through yours if I had enough brainpower.”

His hand is warm, and you hope furiously that your palms aren’t sweating. “Was this another excuse to hold my hand?”

“Well, did it work?”

You raise your eyebrows and fail at biting back your smile. “You already know, you just want to hear me say it.”

He grins. “Then say it!”

“Yes, Sicheng, it worked.”

“Awesome.” He moves his right hand to pick up his spoon, briefly tugging your hand with him until he realizes. “Fuck. Sorry, I have to let go of your hand while I eat. Unless you wanna see me struggle with my left hand.”

“As much as I’d love to watch you do that, I feel like that’d be an insult to the rest of the noodles.”

When you finally remember to stand up and throw away the long-forgotten remnants of your food, he holds your hand carefully but firmly as you walk past the White House, and you imagine his hold on your heart must feel the same.

Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., 11:16 p.m.

“Dance with me,” Sicheng pleads, pulling you under a streetlight. You nod, but your feet stay cemented on the brick-paved sidewalk.

“I don’t know how to.”

“That’s fine.” You place your hand in his outstretched one, and he lifts your other hand to rest on his shoulder. “No one’s around to judge, so just do whatever.”

“Wise words,” you deadpan, but you let his hand on your waist guide your swaying.

He’s right, though. After the initial awkwardness fades, you find that waltzing around isn’t so bad after all—especially when he twirls you around the pocket of light underneath the lamppost so gently it feels like you’re dancing on air.

And when he dips you as you throw your head back, laughing, you think you finally understand why his eyes light up every time he finishes a dance performance.

“Is this what you love about dancing?” you ask once you’ve come back up.

He nods, eyes closing briefly. “Partly. The grand choreographies are the showstoppers, but the simpler moments keep me sane.” His eyes flutter open. “I haven’t let anyone see me dance with such bad technique in a while. I’m usually not this bad, I promise.”

“I know,” you grin. “I saw you at the winter showcase. You were amazing.” Then you take a deep breath, and brace for the worst. “The lyrical piece you closed with was the one you used for your audition, right?”

“Yeah, I—yeah.”

Abruptly, he releases your hands and steps back. You allow yourself to feel a twinge of guilt for mentioning the elephant in the room before you steel yourself for the impending conversation.

“We should probably talk about that,” he says.

“We should. Do you want to walk around the National Mall? You said you liked it earlier today.”

“Sure.”

The walk is quiet enough for you to overthink. Sicheng got accepted by a dance studio in Korea, after months of submitting auditions and traveling back and forth between countries. He’s leaving soon, even if he says he’s still waiting to hear back from Juilliard and keeping his options open. You see it in the goodbyes he keeps subconsciously saying and the memories he drinks in like it’s his last chance to, and you’re terrified of what your life will look like without him.

You glance over at him periodically, and he seems to be lost in thought too, staring straight ahead down the well-lit path. His eyebrows furrow as you pass under a streetlight, and you wonder if you brought it up the wrong way.

You’re disappointed in the crude way you shoved the future into a perfectly happy moment, then mad that you’re disappointed. It was inevitable that you’d have to talk about what would come after graduation, and it was inevitable that he’d have to remove himself from your side to chase after his dreams. It’s a wonder he hasn’t pulled away already.

Stupid, you chide yourself. Stupid, stupid, stupid, loving so hard that your chest implodes from all the weight it carries, already drifting through the pangs of hurt and the wisps of melancholy bringing about a premature nostalgia.

“I’m really going to miss you next year,” Sicheng confesses out of the blue.

You glance up. His hands are shoved into his pants pockets, his eyes roaming over your face like he’s trying to remember all the secrets it hides.

You think you might always run back to him. You’re not sure how to feel about that.

National Mall, Washington, D.C., 11:33 p.m.

“So.”

“So,” you echo. “Have you looked at decisions yet?” It’s a pointless question. You know he’s not going to Juilliard.

“Yeah, I looked at them this afternoon in the theater.” He clears his throat. “I got waitlisted.”

“Ah.”

“I’m not going to accept a spot on the waitlist.”

“Why not?”

He shrugs. “I had made my decision anyway.” Then he sighs, his nonchalant facade dropping for good. “You can probably guess.”

“You’re leaving?”

“I’m accepting the studio’s offer,” he whispers, as if the air is glass and the moment could shatter at any moment. The words float there, above your head, and you imagine grabbing them and hugging them close to your chest before they slip away.

You don’t. “I figured.”

“Yeah. You knew.”

You stare ahead and will the tears not to fall.

“I’m leaving as soon as school ends,” he says, with the sideways glance that marks the start of his rambling distraction process, “and flying there on—”

“I’m gonna miss you,” you blurt. He pauses mid-sentence. “I’m gonna miss you like crazy. Can we talk about this, for real? You can tell me all the details later, I just—please,” and your voice cracks, “don’t dismiss this.”

“Yeah. Of course.”

A blink, and the first teardrop traces its way down your face.

You waste away the hours of your stolen youth with a boy who wipes your tears away and comforts you over the future that you’ll no longer be a part of.

National Mall, Washington, D.C., 11:57 p.m.

“Before I leave,” Sicheng says, scuffing the heels of his shoes on the gravel pathway, “I know I’d regret it if I didn’t say something. I mean, I’m going to leave anyways, so why not, you know? I have to say something before I’m gone. Um, so, you know this by now, but I… I—” and you already know what’s coming.

“Stop. I know what you’re going to say. Give me a minute to think.”

You make the mistake of glancing up at him, his eyes wide and shining. “Yeah. Alright. Take all the time you need, please.”

In half a year, Sicheng will be gone and you will be left to pick up the pieces of your life that don’t involve him, piecing them together the best you can and carrying on like there isn’t a hole in your heart.

“I’m in love with you.” One thud of your heartbeat. Then another. “Sicheng.”

In half a year, this chance will be long gone, and if you let it slip through your fingers without grabbing on, you’ll never forgive yourself for letting Sicheng become your biggest what-if.

“I’m in love with you too.” He raises his hand to cradle your face in his palm. “Y/n.”

“I’ve wanted to say that for a while now.”

“Me too. It’s not just because I’m leaving, you know.” You nod, his palm momentarily pressing against your cheek. “You knew.”

“Yeah.”

You stare up at him, the boy who wears his heart on his sleeve and holds entire galaxies in his eyes.

“What are we?” he asks.

“I don’t know.”

“How do you feel about dating?”

You freeze like a deer in headlights. “Dating?”

“Yeah, would you? Like to date me?”

And then Sicheng turns into a what-if again. “I don’t know,” you confess. “I don’t know if I could handle the split.”

“We don’t have to break up when I leave. We could do long distance,” he suggests, but it sounds flimsy even to your ears.

“I don’t know, Sicheng. I don’t want to end up losing you.”

“I know. We don’t have to, especially if you don’t want to.”

You nod once in acknowledgment, and then you’re stepping into his arms again. He holds you securely, stroking your hair and waiting for you to collect your thoughts.

“I wish we had more time,” you whisper into his shoulder an eternity later. “Could we have been doing this earlier?”

“It would’ve been too fast,” he reasons, and you’re inclined to agree. “We didn’t really… not until this year…”

“Yeah.” You’ve known Sicheng for years and have been close with him for months, but you only fell in love with each other when it was too late. “I wish we started hanging out sooner.”

“Maybe things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”

“Maybe.”

You pull back enough to glance up at him, gaze dropping to his lips at the close proximity before immediately bringing it back up. His eyes follow the movement, a smile creeping up his face.

“One kiss wouldn’t hurt, right?” he asks, and he says it so earnestly that it’s hard to believe he’d be wrong.

“It wouldn’t,” you agree. His nose bumps with yours and you blink up at him once, twice, and then you’re leaning in until the faraway sounds of the city fade away. He’s purposeful and patient and when all you can think of is the brush of his lips against yours, it’s just you and him against the world.

One kiss might not hurt, but one turns to two and two turns to too many and when you finally pull away and stare into his eyes, dazed, your lips tingle from the ghost of his mouth on yours.

At that moment, the way his mouth slowly stretches into a grin does something to your heart, and you think you’d let it break a million times just to be the cause of his smile.

“Yes, Sicheng. Let’s date.”

He kisses you again, beaming so wide that his teeth knock against your lips and pulling you closer, almost picking you up in the process.

You wonder if you made the wrong decision.

[raindancer2004]

Unloved and Unwanted?

Word Count: 3,704 Felix x reader Part Four Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Death, Mentions of blood

This story is being extended to include more of the relationship between Felix and the reader as well as seeing reader as a newborn. Requested by @Savava19 on Wattpad.

Y/N woke up the following morning in her bed and looked around the room and saw Felix sitting on the sofa reading “Good morning little one” He said with a smile “Good morning. Did you stay here all night?” She replied “Yes, I hope you don’t mind but after a lovely evening with you which ended with you falling asleep in my arms, I didn’t wish to leave you alone” He smiled at her “I don’t mind, in fact I’m glad you stayed. I also enjoyed our date last night, although I’m sorry I fell asleep during it.” Felix chuckled and made his way over to her bed “Don’t be. It was nice that you felt safe with me to do so” He wrapped his arms around her and she relaxed into him “Thank you Felix.” “For what?” He asked and pulled back a little “For-for not being the person I-I was told you’d be” She replied low “I’m just glad you gave me a chance to show you who I really am, although I know you are still a little…unsure of me; of my feelings for you” He replied “I’m trying not to be but it’s…” “It’s ok, I understand” He cut her off and pulled her in for another hug “I’m your mate and we have forever so there is no rush. We can take things as slow as you would like” “Do you really mean that?” She asked “Yes, I do little one” He took her warm hand in his cold one and bought it to his lips pressing a kiss to her knuckles; she felt a warm feeling run through her and smiled at him.

The following night Y/N, Jane and Heidi made their way to the family room for movie night; Y/N sat between Felix and Demetri and waited for the film to start. Alec picked a horror film to watch and at a particular gruesome part Y/N hid her face in Felix’s arm “Let me know when I look again” Her words were muffled by his jumper but he heard her and immediately wrapped his arm around her pulling her into his side and smiled when she relaxed into him. Demetri noticed this from the corner of his eye and smiled too, happy that Y/N felt comfortable enough to seek comfort from her mate. Felix kissed her hair before whispering “You can look now little one” He felt her lift her head slightly to look back at the screen but she stayed snuggled into his side for the remainder of movie night.

Afton held a grudge against Felix and Jane for the removal of his arms, despite him provoking Felix the day the guards and Y/N returned from the Carnival. He never forgave Demetri when he ‘accidently’ put his arms back the wrong way round as it meant they had to be re-removed and re-attached by Santiago. He planned to get his revenge on Felix and bided his time until his plan could be executed. He knew his revenge would also affect Demetri so it was one stone, two bird’s situation for him.

Felix, Demetri and the twins left for a mission leaving Y/N alone as Heidi was busy collecting humans for the next ‘tour.’ Afton’s got his opportunity to exact his revenge the day after the four elite guards left the castle. Y/N was outside in the garden reading and didn’t hear him come up behind her until she felt his breath on her ear “Felix won’t want you or love you after this” He whispered and bit down on her neck, she screamed in pain and felt him tighten his hold on her. However, Afton was pulled off her by Santiago before he could fully flood her system with his venom. Santiago noticed she was now starting to bleed out as the bite mark hadn’t been sealed due to him ripping Afton away from her “Take him to the throne room” Santiago said as he shoved Afton towards another guard named Matt.

Santiago lifted Y/N into his arms and held his breath and sped to the throne room kicking open the doors and they hit the stone walls loudly “WHAT’S THE MEANING OF….” Caius’ shouting was cut off the second they entered the room “EVERYONE OUT NOW!” Aro ordered and the guards on duty left the room just as Matt arrived with Afton “Afton did this to her. I pulled him off her but the bite mark hasn’t been sealed” Santiago stated quickly “It-it b-burns” Y/N stuttered out, tears falling down her cheeks. Caius took her from Santiago and laid her on the floor and leant over her “Please forgive me my dear” He placed his mouth over the existing bite mark and sucked out Afton’s venom before sinking his teeth into her neck and letting his venom enter her system, therefore becoming her creator. Aro looked down and saw that Caius’ mark had replaced Afton’s “Brother…” “I couldn’t let her die as she is Felix’s mate and they have been through so much already. This way I am her creator not him” Caius cuts Aro off and points to Afton “Felix is more likely to accept that his mate is now immortal if she has my venom in her just as he has yours Aro” He added “That’s true brother, I think it would have caused more problems for them if it was Afton who changed her” Marcus responds.

Aro takes Afton’s hand in his own and watches the scene play out in the garden “It would seem brothers that Afton planned to change Y/N to get revenge on Felix, knowing it would cause trouble and all because Felix defended his mate a few weeks back after Afton picked a fight with him” Aro said once he let go of his hand “It is against the law to interfere with another’s mate, to try and break their bond and you will be punished” Marcus says calmly as Chelsea enters the throne room, having been told by the recently dismissed guards about Afton being in trouble with the masters. “Sorry for interrupting masters, but can I ask what Afton has done?” “Chelsea my dear, so good to see you. Although I do have some bad news for you…Afton is to be ‘dealt with’ as he attempted to change Y/N to get back at Felix and well he made a mess of it and Caius has had to change her himself in order to save her” Aro informed her, Chelsea was shocked and covered her mouth with her hands; after a few moments she finally spoke “I-I understand m-master. Do what-what you must with him” She stuttered out “You know what is going to happen to him my dear” Aro responds and she nods as venom fills her eyes that cannot be shed “Good-goodbye Afton” She whispers and follows Caius out of the throne room as he makes his way to Y/N’s room. “Any last words Afton?” Aro asks “I regret nothing and we all know Felix will struggle to accept her now” Aro nods at Santiago and he removes Afton’s head before Matt lets him fall to the floor and the two vampires remove Afton’s arms and legs “Burn him” Aro says as he leaves the room.

Chelsea opens the door to Y/N’s room and Caius enters carrying her over to the bed “Please let me clean her up before Felix returns” She says and Caius nods as he passes Y/N to Chelsea. Chelsea cleans up the bite mark and the blood surrounding the area “Master, please can you pass in the short sleeve black dress from her closet?” Caius passes her the dress and a few moments later Chelsea exits the bathroom with Y/N in her arms and lays her down gently on her bed.

Chelsea and Caius stay with Y/N during her change “Master, what are we going to tell Felix?” Chelsea asked low “We tell him the truth that Afton made a mess of trying to change her out of revenge and that I stepped in and replaced his venom with my own in order to save her. It’s my bite mark on her neck now not Afton’s” Caius responds and Chelsea nods “Thank you for letting me stay here with her" “You’re welcome my dear, I figured it would help you, all things considered” He replied and she nodded “I hope Felix doesn’t hold Afton’s actions against me” She said low “He won’t, especially as you and I are going to take care of her until he returns” Caius replied.

Y/N woke up three days later; sitting up and taking in the sights around her; noticing the loose thread on rug by the fireplace, feeling the cotton thread of the duvet beneath her when her eyes met Caius’ “Hello my dear” “Ca-Caius” She replies low “Wh-what happened?” “You were bitten by Afton in the garden and Santiago intervened and bought you to us and I had to change you in order to save you” He replied “I-I remember he said that Felix wouldn’t want me or love me knowing I had his venom running through me” She replied “Well you don’t need to worry about that my dear, as it’s my venom running through you” “Felix will have an issue with the fact that it’s not his venom” She answered sounding a little sad “Nothing will change between you hunny, I promise. He will just be glad that master Caius saved you” Chelsea answered softly “Oh and just so you are aware Afton was disposed of after this incident as he broke one our laws” She added “I-I’m sorry Chelsea” Y/N replies “Don’t be Y/N, you did nothing wrong. Afton knew what the consequences were should he be found out and went ahead anyway” Chelsea replies.

“As you are my creation Y/N, you spend your newborn year with us at the castle and we all help you adjust to your new life. First things first feedings; we do not allow hunting in the city and so once Felix and Demetri return, I will have them take you hunting outside of the city and show you what to do. In the meantime, Heidi saved you two humans from our ‘tour’ this morning, they are waiting in a guest room on the floor below. Shall we?” Caius informs Y/N “I-I don’t know what to-to do” She says slowly “You are a lot faster and stronger than the humans in the room so it’ll be easy to overpower them. You need hold them firmly against you, this can be via the front of their neck or around their middle, then you tilt their head to the side and bite down and let the blood flow down your throat to ease the burn. We will be right there with you” Chelsea replies. Once inside the guest room Y/N grabbed the first human and did as Chelsea told her although she struggled and it was not the most efficient kill nor was it the cleanest but Caius and Chelsea did not judge her. Y/N drained the second human but later she felt upset at having killed two innocent humans. “You did well today Y/N and it will get easier, I promise” Caius said low.

Heidi got some blood bags from her doctor friend at the hospital and kept them in her room for Y/N in case they needed them. Chelsea and Heidi made sure to keep Y/N away from the reception area, not wanting to risk an incident in the castle. Heidi did however get Caius’ permission to bring in another human for Y/N as a way of helping her deal with the blood lust she was feeling.

Chelsea and Caius had spent a lot of time with Y/N as she was struggling with feeding. Heidi would ensure their share of the tour was bought to a side room so the three could feed privately as Caius didn’t think Y/N was ready to feed with the others. Y/N had been a newborn for about ten days when Felix, Demetri and the twins returned from their mission; reporting to the throne room to update the Kings on the outcome of their mission. All four guard noticed Caius’ throne was empty “Caius is with Chelsea and Y/N…” Aro paused when he saw confusion and worry flash across Felix’s face “There was an incident about two weeks ago involving Y/N and Afton…Caius had to change Y/N in order to save her” Aro advised them and a loud growl escaped Felix “I’LL KILL HIM” He roared and turned to leave; Demetri grabbed his arm as Marcus spoke “He has already been disposed of…he is nothing but ashes my dear boy” Felix turned around to look at Aro and Marcus “Chelsea is with Y/N?” Demetri asked “Yes, she and Caius haven’t left her side since the incident, Heidi has checked in with her regularly when not planning ‘tours,’ she even got a supply of blood bags for Y/N. Chelsea feels bad for what happened to Y/N and asked to stay and help her” Aro replied “I think being around Y/N has helped Chelsea deal with the loss of Afton, given her…a purpose” Marcus added “Please do not harm Chelsea Felix, she had no part in Afton’s plan” Aro warned “How-how did Afton get close enough to attack Y/N?” Felix asked and Aro explained the events of that fateful day including how Santiago saved her from Afton. “Go see Y/N but remember don’t spook her as she’s probably stronger than you right now” Marcus said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Felix and Demetri made their way to Y/N’s room, the twins deciding to wait to the morning as to not overwhelm her. Felix knocked on the door “Only us” He said as he and Demetri entered her room slowly “Felix, Demetri” Caius greeted them “Master” They both replied and bowed their heads “How is she?” Felix asked quietly, looking out to the balcony where Y/N stood with Chelsea “A little jumpy now and then. She struggles a little with her thirst but is relatively calm for a newborn” Caius answered quietly, he looked over his shoulder before continuing “She’s worried that this will affect your relationship” Felix said nothing but nodded “Just remember Felix it’s my venom in her system no one’s else’s and it’s my bite mark that you will see…just as she sees Aro’s mark where he changed you” Caius placed a hand on his arm “Thank you master for saving her and staying with her in my absence” “She is your mate and you two have been through enough in the short time you’ve been together. She’s my creation and it was my duty to show her how to survive in this life. Although I think you two should help her too” Caius replied “Of course master. I’m assuming then she will be with us during her newborn year?” Demetri asked, hope showing in his eyes “Yes, as my creation she is allowed to remain here with us” Caius replied smiling at Demetri and Felix “I’m going to say goodnight and leave you to catch up. Goodnight Y/N” “Goodnight Caius and thank you again” Y/N said as she entered the room “I’ll be leaving too, if you need me Demetri knows where to find me” Chelsea said as she too left the room.

“Looking good Y/N” Demetri smiled and gave her a wink; a low growl came from Felix “Shut up” Demetri said as he slapped his arm “You look so beautiful little one” Felix said with a look of adoration on his face “May I?” He held his arms out to her and she nodded, slowly stepping closer to her mate; once she was near enough Felix carefully pulled her into his arms and held her “I missed you Felix” She buried her face into his chest “I missed you too” He replied resting his head on top of hers “I missed you too cara” Demetri added and Y/N laughed “Missed you too Dem.”  

Felix loved Y/N with every fibre of his being and would do anything for her, including defending her to a few of the transitory guards who talked about her behind her back, judging her and commenting on the fact she was not able to take part in the ‘tours’ “Y/N is struggling to adjust and after the shocking way she was thrust into this life by Afton, I can’t blame her. She’ll come through it” Felix said at the start of a training session “One more thing you may want to remember that as my mate she outranks you all!” Felix growled “Drop and give me 200…NOW!” Demetri demanded and the vampires groaned “You can all thank the few guards that thought they could talk about Y/N in such a way a disrespectful way.”

Felix was given a few days off to spend with Y/N but that didn’t work out the way it as supposed to. After coming back from a private feeding with Chelsea Y/N saw how clean Felix and Demetri were after the ‘tour’ compared to her; she was still a little messy, it confirmed her thoughts she wasn’t good enough or clean enough with her kills to stand beside her mate and her friends. She decided to spend more time with Chelsea and continue to feed privately with her as she felt comfortable around her and didn’t feel like she was being judged by the female vampire. Y/N also still had the need for blood bags to help with her thirst.

“Y/N? You in here?” Felix called out as he entered his mate’s room only to find it empty…again “She isn’t in there” Demetri’s voice called out softly “I know that” Felix growled “Woah! Calm down Fe” Demetri held his hands up in surrender “Sorry D. I can’t find her and all I want is to spend time with my mate, improve our relationship and our bond” He replied, sounding a little downhearted. Demetri was quiet for a moment before replying “Y/N is with Chelsea…in her room” “What is it with Y/N and Chelsea?” Felix asked, Demetri shrugged “I don’t know, maybe Chelsea feels guilty over Afton’s actions and feels bad for Y/N. Talk to her” Felix nods and goes back to his room.

A few days later Felix catches Y/N in Heidi’s room with a blood bag and they’re hanging out “Hey Y/N there you are. I’ve been looking for you” “You found me” She replies “I have some time off and wondered if you wanted to do something together?” He asked, hoping she’d agree “Oh, sorry I can’t…I have a lesson with Caius…which I’ll be late for if I don’t go now. Bye Heidi, it was nice catching up. Bye Fe” Y/N left the room quickly “Bye Y/N” Heidi called after her, Felix said nothing, turning around and making his way to Demetri’s room. Once inside he laid down on his friend’s bed, surprising Demetri moments later when he stepped out of the bathroom half naked after his shower “Why Felix, I didn’t know you cared” Demetri winked at him “Get bent” Demetri chuckled as he entered his closet and pulled on a pair of sweatpants and t-shirt “What do I owe the pleasure, my friend” Demetri asked sitting at the foot of the bed “Y/N’s avoiding me” “Ahh…are you sure she’s avoiding you?” He asked gently “Yes. She’ll spend time with anyone and everyone…as long as it’s not me” Felix replied. Demetri was sure it was all in his friend’s head until he witnessed Y/N avoiding Felix for himself the following afternoon.

Gianna had taken the afternoon off and Aro asked Y/N to cover reception, thinking doing something ‘human’ may be good for her and keep her focused on something other than her struggles. The afternoon was going well until a delivery man arrived with a parcel for Aro. Y/N inhaled just as the human rounded the corner; the burn in her throat roaring to life, his heartbeat sounding loud in the quiet reception area ‘He smells so good’ She thought to herself ‘Just a little taste’ A smile curved her lips ‘No. Don’t. I can’t. Caius…Felix…’ “Hello, I have a parcel that requires a signature” The human voice cut through Y/N’s thoughts “Ok” She tried holding her breath as she signed his clipboard, she noticed the pulsing vein in his neck, his heartbeat a little fast as though he was a little fearful. It was as though he was tormenting her with his scent. He thanked her and turned back to walk towards the lift and before she could stop herself, she had flashed up behind him as he stepped inside the lift. Y/N’s hand gripped his neck; holding his back to her chest as she sunk her teeth into his neck, his blood flowing into her mouth easing the burn at the back of her throat “Mmm” She enjoyed draining this human. She was trying to work out how to hide the evidence of her kill when she noticed her top had blood on it, his blood “Oh well. No need to hide him now…” She trailed off, talking to herself.

The lift doors opened when the lift reached ground level, Y/N stepped out of the lift leaving the human to lie dead on lift floor. She walked to the stairs and made her way back to reception to turn off the computer and to gather her things “Y/N” Felix called out from behind her when she was halfway back to her room “Can’t stop, got things to do” She called out over his shoulder “What things? Maybe I can help” Felix called “Just things, I don’t need help” She called out and took off running “Still think she isn’t avoiding me D?” Demetri rubbed the back of his neck “It would appear she is avoiding you” He replied “I wish I knew why D” Felix responded and turned on his heels making his way to the training room. Demetri decided to try his luck with Y/N; to see if she would talk to him as she used to do when she was human.

[wildfangz]

Meet the residents of Crystal Valley (Thus Far!)

Yes I changed some names what about it. Also I started a new Clean neighborhood and made other adjustments. Everything is almost perfect now except for one thing: I was wondering why I had SO many blue-eyed characters. Warren I was certain I gave green eyes to. And then it hit me: Everyone had different custom eyes I replaced as well when I changed my defaults! So expect Mandy and Warren’s eyes at least to change in the future when I’m not feeling too lazy to fix them with SimPE. Warren I went ahead and edited since green is his whole scheme but no promises I’ll keep that up LMAO. Anyway family information below the cut.

1] Miller

Power twins desperate for financial independence to get out from under the thumb of wealthy, asshole parents. Isaiah is the appointed mayor of Crystal Valley, while Ashley works as a secretary at a law firm in Sim City, a job she’s not particularly excited about. But hey, it pays well. Until she can figure out something better and pursue her business dreams, she tucks as much money back as she can.

Isaiah: Leo, Popularity. Ashley: Leo, Fortune.

2] Flores

Maritza lives quite comfortably with her father and younger brother, though as a pleasure sim, she does miss all the big city had to offer her. Meanwhile, her brother Felix is an overachiever hoping to get into private school, and their father Emilio is just happy to watch his children grow up and find their way in life, with what time he has left. Though, it has been a decade since his wife passed, and he finds himself longing for some company despite how busy his job as a high school teacher keeps him.

Maritza: Sagittarius, Pleasure. Felix: Aquarius, Knowledge. Emilio: Taurus, Family.

3] Flynn

The Crystal Valley Project excited Callum, who was happy to move his wife out of their cramped apartment and build a home for their future family using a grant. Being closer to nature was a nice bonus, as well. Meanwhile, Mandy was just happy to be further away from her family, sick of their unwelcome company and their opinions on what a “proper” wife was. While the two are close and still in their honeymoon stage, Callum has been awful busy lately with his garden and his plans to open a grocery store, and Mandy finds herself feeling resentful over this whole housewife thing. It’s a crazy world out there and she longs to experience it.

Callum: Scorpio, Pleasure. Mandy: Sagittarius, Romance.

4] Osario

Kicked out and disowned by his father for refusing to enter the family business after college, Jesse has been couch surfing ever since, hoping to catch his breath so he can start building his own fortune. He’s used to the city, but you can’t beat 20k and a house to call your own. The community aspect of the Crystal Valley Project also interested him, having grown up rather isolated, or surrounded by people he wanted nothing to do with. He doesn’t know what this new life has in store for him, but he has a roof over his head that he owns, so he can’t certainly can’t complain.

Jesse Osario: Scorpio, Fortune.

5] Winchester

Local journalist and man about town, Warren owes everything to his natural charm. He misses the dating pool that was more accessible to him living in the city, but there’s something a bit more intimate and romantic about woohooing all of your neighbors! He spends his days either at his telescope, cleaning, or in bed with the partner of the day.

Warren Winchester: Virgo, Knowledge, Romance.